17 JUL 2026 Court Convicts Two for impersonating EFCC Officers Justice M. Zubairu of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court Jikwoyi, Abuja on Thursday, July 16, 2026 convicted Haruna Mamuda and Sadiq Umar for parading themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to defraud the public. They were convicted on a five- count charge bordering on impersonation, criminal conspiracy and unlawful representation. Count one of the charge reads; That you, Haruna Mamuda, Sadiq Umar (a.k.a. Abubakar Hashimu Umar), and Salifu Olije Mustapha (now standing trial before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Court 21, Kubwa), sometime in March 2026, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire among yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: personating a public servant by falsely presenting yourselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 of the Penal Code Act and punishable under Section 132 of the same Act. Count four reads :That you, Sadiq Umar (a.k.a Abubakar Hashimu Umar) sometime in March 2026, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court falsely personated an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and in that assumed character defrauded unsuspecting members of the public, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 132 of the Penal Code Act. They pleaded guilty to all the charges when read to them. In view of their guilty plea, prosecution counsel, R.U Adagba urged the court to convict them accordingly. Counsel to the first convict, Anamegbumam Innocent pleaded with the court for leniency as he claimed that his client had shown remorse for the offense charged against him, adding that, the first convict is married with kids and had cooperated with the officers of the Commission Also, counsel to the second defendant, Bemdo Asan prayed the court to also temper justice with mercy, explaining that there has been no previous records of conviction on his client. Responding, Adagba urged the court to sentence the defendants accordingly. “My lord, the first defendant is a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army, his sentence will serve as a deterrent to the society at large. I also want the court to factor in the judgment that they were brought in from the Department of State Security Services, DSS where they are been charged for terrorism financing and kidnapping” she said. Justice Zubairu adjourned the matter to July 22, 2026 for sentencing. He also ordered that they remain in custody with the EFCC. The press release contains a photo of the convicts: court-convicts-two-for-impersonating-efcc-officers ******************************************** 17 JUL 2026 Alleged $700,000 Fraud: Court Adjourns Trial of Impersonators of EFCC Officers till Oct 21 Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court, Apo, Abuja, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, adjourned the trial of Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, till October 21, 2026. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting both defendants on amended four-count charge, bordering on impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence the sum of $700,000, (Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars). Joshua, the first defendant who impersonated the Personal Assistant to EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had conspired with Hashim, the second defendant and obtained the sum of $700,000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) from a former Managing Director, Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, Muhammed Bello Koko. Both defendants hid under the false identity of EFCC operatives and approached Koko, claiming that his tenure as the M.D of NPA was being investigated by the EFCC, and further claimed that the EFCC Chairman and the Director of Operations requested one million dollars to stop the investigation. They finally settled with their victim on the sum of $700,000.00. During Thursday's proceeding, prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, reminded the court that at the previous sitting, she had sought leave to play the video recordings of the defendants making their extrajudicial statements in the EFCC, regretting however, that the prosecution's second witness, Akeem Lasisi was unavoidably absent due to his emergency official assignment outside the jurisdiction and prayed the court for an adjournment. Following the prayer of the prosecution counsel, the judge adjourned the matter till October 21, 22, 26, 28, and 29, 2026, for the continuation of trial. alleged-700000-fraud-court-adjourns-trial-of-impersonators-of-efcc-officers-till-oct-21 *********************************************** 16 JUL 2026 Aisha Achimugu: Court Grants Final Forfeiture of N4.6b Jewelries, N4.3b Exotic Cars, $50, 000 , N30, 000,000 to Government A Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has granted a final forfeiture order of properties linked to a business woman, Ms Aisha Achimugu to the federal government. The properties include jewelries worth N4,645,170, 294.9 billion (Four Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Five Million, One Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira, Nine Kobo) eleven exotic cars worth N4.293,000, 000 (Four Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Three Million Naira), $50, 000( Fifty Thousand United States Dollars) and N30, 000,000 (Thirty Million Naira) cash. Justice Jude Onwugbuzie granted the order on Thursday, July 16 2026 in a judgment on the application for final forfeiture of the properties by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The assets were found by the EFCC as proceeds of unlawful activities. Investigations by the Commission followed its receipt of financial intelligence showing huge inflows and outflows from over 136 ( One hundred and Thirty six) bank accounts linked to Aisha Achimogu which ran into billions of naira and millions of dollars. The investigation carried out showed that the huge funds that passed through the companies operated by her were not disclosed as revenue of the companies in their financial statements filed at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS). In the course of investigation, the Commission executed searches at the residence of Achimugu where the assets forfeited were recovered. While being interrogated, she was given Assets Declaration Form which she filled but did not disclose the recovered assets as her properties. The finding by the EFCC showed that the huge funds received into accounts linked to her were not from her legitimate business activities and that the recovered assets were not from lawful sources. Following the outcome of the investigation, the EFCC through its legal team, led by Ekele Iheanacho SAN, filed an application for an interim order forfeiting the properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act. The matter came up before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie and on April, 23, 2026, the court granted the application and directed the EFCC to publish the said order in national dailies for any person in possession or interested in the assets to show cause within 14 days why the final forfeiture order should not be granted EFCC complied with the order of the court and published the order. EFCC further filed a motion for final forfeiture of the properties. Achimugu through her legal team filed affidavits to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited as well as a motion to set aside the interim order. This was further opposed by the EFCC through a counter affidavit. The court took arguments from parties represented by the counsel and adjourned to July 16, 2026 for judgment. On Thursday, the court delivered judgment and granted a final order forfeiting the assets to the federal government of Nigeria. The court found that Achimugu did not dislodge the evidence led by the EFCC and also failed to discharge the burden of showing that the assets were from lawful origins. The press release contains photos: aisha-achimugu-court-grants-final-forfeiture-of-n46b-jewelries-n43b-exotic-cars-50-000-n30-000000-to ***************************************************** 16 JUL 2026 EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of University, Radio Station, 46 Other Properties Linked to Malami The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, secured the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to a former Attorney -General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Among the forfeited properties are Rayhaan University, Kebbi State, including the Rayhaan University Permanent Site, Rayhaan University Temporary Site, Rayhaan University Third Site, the Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor's House and Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi. Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, held that the Commission had successfully established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from lawful sources of income. The properties finally forfeited to the Federal Government are: a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, Abuja (File No. AN 11352); a two-winged large three-storey building situated at No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Cadastral Zone A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited); Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, comprising a five-storey building (now luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Jabi, with 53 rooms/ suites); Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, comprising terraces; Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Maitama, with 15 rooms); and Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent), Asokoro District. Others are: Shop No. C52, Citiscape – Shariff Plaza, Plot 739, Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, FCT, Abuja; No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano; Plot 157, Lamido Nasarawa GRA, Kano; a commercial plaza comprising commercial toilets, laundering facilities, warehouse tanks adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market; 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road; and another 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road. Others are: a four-bedroom bungalow at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi; Shops Nos. A36 and B3, Vegas Mall, Wuse II, Abuja; No. 26 Babbi Drive, BUA Estate, Abuja; No. 27 EFAB Estate, 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja; a four-bedroom house with two-room boys' quarters at No. 10B Doka Crescent, Abakpa GRA, Kaduna; Plot No. 13, IPENT 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja; a bedroom duplex with boys' quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja; two warehouse shops B40 and B46, Wuse Market, Abuja; acquisition of twin houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 1401, Gudu District, Abuja; and properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage, namely: nine units of three-bedroom bungalows, three units of two-bedroom bungalows, and 5.4 hectares of land. Also forfeited are the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory in Kebbi State, including the factory buildings, factory machines and plant units, factory mosque, Rayhaan Mill staff quarters, and the Rayhaan Bustan Building. Others are assets at Azbir Arena, Kebbi State, including Azbir Hotel, Printing Press, Gallery, Gardens, Mosque, Azbir Clothing, and Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket. Other forfeited properties include the Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi; Rayhaan Security House off Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi; an uncompleted two-storey plaza located opposite Central Motor Park (Eastern Park), Birnin Kebbi; Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd. filling station structure along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi, near Jambali Automobile Workshop; the assets of Zeennoor Hotel at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano, with 131 rooms; Zeennoor Mosque at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano; and the old Zeennoor Hotel building. It would be recalled that on January 6, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim forfeiture order following an ex parte motion moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN. Sequel to the granting of the interim forfeiture order, and in compliance with the order of the court, the EFCC published the interim order in national dailies, inviting interested persons to come forward and show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The EFCC subsequently filed a motion for the final forfeiture of all the properties. Meanwhile, following the publication of the interim order, Mr. Malami, SAN, and 14 other persons, mainly his family members and associates, filed applications to show cause and also urged the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order on the properties. They further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to grant the order and urged it not to grant the final forfeiture order. The case was heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on May 27, 2026, and the matter was thereafter adjourned for judgment. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the court held that the EFCC had sufficiently established that the 48 properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, and that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden placed on them, as they could not show the legitimate sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties. The court further held that the respondents merely claimed ownership of the properties without providing proof of how they acquired them with funds from lawful sources. According to the court, non conviction-based forfeiture proceedings require respondents to adduce evidence showing the lawful sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties, and not merely make bare assertions of ownership. The press release contains photos: efcc-secures-final-forfeiture-of-university-radio-station-46-other-properties-linked-to-malami ************************************************** 16 JUL 2026 Romance Scam: EFCC Hands Over Forfeited Assets to Australian Victim in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, handed over forfeited assets recovered from a convicted romance scammer, Odey Steven Aleka, to an Australian citizen, Karo Rita Kazzi, through her counsel, Blessing Nwankwo. The assets include a gold wedding ring, a gold chain with a cross pendant, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a Lexus RX350 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), and a one-storey building comprising six room-and-parlour self-contained apartments located along the Emedu–Awoyaya axis of Ajah, Lagos State. Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to ensuring that victims of economic and financial crimes obtain justice and, where possible, recover assets fraudulently obtained from them. He also reiterated the EFCC's resolve to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of such crimes. The handover followed a final forfeiture order granted by Justice O. O. Abike- Fadipe of the Special Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on March 12, 2024. The case arose from allegations of romance scam and obtaining by false pretence against Aleka. The petition was submitted to the Commission by Nwankwo of Woke Attorney Law Firm on behalf of the Australian victim, who alleged that she had been defrauded by the convict. Investigations revealed that the convict, who had been married to the victim, fraudulently obtained valuables and other assets from her through false representations. Following the discovery of the fraudulent scheme, the victim engaged the services of her lawyer, who initiated divorce proceedings and subsequently petitioned the EFCC. Upon the conclusion of investigations, the Commission arraigned Aleka on charges bordering on romance scam and obtaining by false pretence. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment, with an option of a fine of ?1,000,000 (One Million Naira). The court also ordered the final forfeiture of all assets recovered from the convict to the Federal Government of Nigeria as restitution for the benefit of the Australian victim. The Commission, thereafter, completed all legal processes required for the release of the forfeited assets, culminating in their handover to the victim through her legal representative on Wednesday. The press release includes a photo: romance-scam-efcc-hands-over-forfeited-assets-to-australian-victim-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Now, this is the sort of EFCC press release we love to see. Kudos to the EFCC in this case for seeing to it that the victim received her recovered assets. *********************************************** 13 JUL 2026 Olukoyede Hails Proceeds of Crime Act for Improved Asset Recovery, Management The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has applauded the Proceeds of Crime Act, POCA, for strengthening asset recovery and management and for providing a clear legal basis, improving transparency and reducing delays in the disposal of recovered assets. He gave the thumbs up on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Abuja, while speaking at a high-level seminar, themed, “Scaling up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa,” organised by the Inter-Agency Task Team to commemorate this year’s African Anti-corruption Day. Represented by the Head, Administration and Records, Proceed of Crime Management of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE II Wananje Gwatana, Olukoyede expressed delight that the implementation of POCA has streamlined the Commission's asset recovery and management processes, provided legal backing for its activities and enhanced operational efficiency. “The coming of POCA streamlined our activities and also gives us a legal backing to whatever we do. One of the things the Commission is doing at the moment, aside from the seizure, forfeiture, management, and then the disposal process is to shorten the turnaround time between forfeiture and disposal of assets,” he said. He disclosed that the dissipation of recovered assets was one of the major challenges the EFCC encountered in the past, adding that “with the coming of POCA, what we do for assets that are susceptible to deterioration is that we sell even before the annual disposal, because in the Standard Operating Procedures, we have annual disposal of finally forfeited assets. But if an asset is susceptible to deterioration, we sell and then we put the proceeds in escrow, even if it is in the interim, pending the final determination of the case in court.” Speaking further, the EFCC boss stated that the Commission has strengthened integrity, transparency and accountability in recovered asset disposal by transitioning from physical auctions to electronic, adding that the EFCC now engages asset management consultants to manage forfeited properties and assigns property types to them based on their areas of competence. The consultants, he further stated, are selected based on their proven expertise and are required to submit quarterly performance reports and account on revenue generated from the assets under their respective management. While highlighting the positive impact of the Commission’s recovered assets in the economy, he stated that proceeds of crime recovered by the Commission were deployed as start-up capitals for Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, and the Consumer Credit Scheme. "The recovered proceeds of crime by the Commission is felt even by vulnerable people. The federal government recently approved some of the proceeds recovered by the Commission to fund the NELFUND and the Consumer Credit Scheme," he said. In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in Nigeria and across Africa. Aliyu noted that Africa’s pursuit of economic growth, democratic governance and social transformation could only be achieved through strong public institutions and effective anti-corruption mechanisms. The ICPC chairman stressed that combating corruption necessitates collaboration among governments, and other stakeholders. “Scaling up the promotion of integrity requires collective action. Governments, oversight institutions, private sector, civil society organisations, development partners, citizens all have critical roles to play,” he said. Also, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Abdullahi Usman Bello, stated that the Bureau would continue to uphold its constitutional responsibility of ensuring that public officials operate with honesty, integrity and accountability. Bello said the bureau had introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency, including the development of an online asset declaration system. Reaffirming, the CCB Chairman noted, “On this important day, we renew our promise to work closely with the inter-agency task team. Together, we will raise awareness, involve citizens and fulfil our duties.” The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-hails-proceeds-of-crime-act-for-improved-asset-recovery-management 419 Coalition comment: Concerning the statement of Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, as Represented by the Head, Administration and Records, Proceeds of Crime Management of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Wananje Gwatana "that proceeds of crime recovered by the Commission were deployed as start-up capitals for Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, and the Consumer Credit Scheme".... we'd like to state unequivocally that any proceeds of 419 Crimes recovered by the EFCC, or any other agency of the Nigerian Government, should be returned and repatriated to the Victimes of 419 Crimes and Not used for any other Nigerian governmental entity or service, to include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the NELFUND, the Consumer Credit Scheme, or Anything Else other than compensation of the Victims of 419 Crimes. The only possible exception we'd consider to be appropriate would the retention of a fixed percenage, say 10% of recovered and verifiably repatriated 419ed monies to victims of 419... to be used by the EFCC specifically for counter-419 operations. *********************************************** 8 JUL 2026 Sextortion: US Consulate, FBI Laud EFCC, Seek Enhanced Information Sharing The United States Consulate in Lagos and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, have commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for its investigative effectiveness and sustained efforts in combating sextortion and transnational financial crimes. The commendation came on Monday, July 6, 2026, during a courtesy visit by Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the United States Consulate, SSA James Smith, and SSA Thomas Pepper of the Cyber Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters, to the Acting Zonal Director of Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, in Ikoyi, Lagos. Speaking during the interactive session, Smith stated that the visit aimed to strengthen the existing collaboration between the U.S. Consulate and the Commission particularly in the area of information sharing in combating criminal activities involving both Nigerians and foreigners. He emphasized that closer cooperation would enhance information gathering and intelligence sharing, particularly in ongoing efforts to combat sextortion, cybercrime and other transnational crimes. Also speaking, Pepper thanked the Commission for the opportunity for the engagement, adding that “Already, we have been enjoying a robust collaboration and partnership with the EFCC in so many cases. “But I want to state that we are willing to improve the timeliness and efficiency of the investigative information we share with the EFCC." According to him, enhanced targeted information sharing would further strengthen the working relationship between the two agencies in tackling sextortion. He noted that sextortion had become a priority issue in the United States and proposed the establishment of a joint team to facilitate intelligence gathering and information sharing on cases reported to the Commission, as well as requests made by the EFCC to the FBI. While talking about the proposed joint operation, he pleaded that the Commission expedite investigations into sextortion cases, adding the FBI was working on obtaining additional identifiers that would be shared with the Commission. Responding, Kaltungo thanked the delegation for the visit, and assured them of utmost cooperation where necessary. He said:” Our doors are always open for collaboration. We also maintain similar collaborations with other countries and international partners. “However, we do need your assistance and support to enable us to track and apprehend these perpetrators in good time. “The availability of tracking tools will help in making our work faster." “I assure you of our continued cooperation and support ; and we are here to assist.” Kaltungo also assured the delegation that the Commission would expedite investigations into the cases presented by the FBI. In his remarks, the Head, Investigations, ACE11 Moses Oguzi, said the Commission had enjoyed a robust collaboration with the US Government and the FBI over the years. He, however, urged the FBI to provide a framework for the proposed operation in order to steer the Commission in the specific direction. He also sought clarification on whether the proposed collaboration would be limited to computer-related fraud or extended to other forms of financial crime, given the increasing incidence of visa fraud. Responding, Smith assured that a list would be provided as “we have a lot of cases. Also, relevant information tailored to the agreed areas of interest will also be shared to avoid overwhelming the EFCC with unnecessary data." The press release contains a photo: sextortion-us-consulate-fbi-laud-efcc-seek-enhanced-information-sharing 419 Coalition comment: Regarding the FBI statement that "relevant information tailored to the agreed areas of interest will also be shared to avoid overwhelming the EFCC with unnecessary data" we surely hope that 419 Crimes are among the "agreed areas of interest" and we'd recommend that EFCC be Regularly "Overwhelmed" with relevant data on 419 Crimes to underscore the magnitude of the pain in the ass 419 Crimes emanating from Nigeria are to the citizens of the United States and of the rest of the World in general. *************************************************** 2 JUL 2026 Alleged $700m Fraud: How Impersonator of Olukoyede’s Aide was Arrested - Witness The Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, Akeem Lasisi in the trial of Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim before Justice J.O Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, narrated how his team arrested the defendants who allegedly impersonated officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with Joshua, the first defendant, claiming to be the Personal Assistant of the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede in a bid to defraud the former Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority, NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko of $USD700 million. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Joshua alongside Hashim on amended four-count charge, bordering on impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence the sum of $700,000, (Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars). At Wednesday`s proceeding, the witness, an EFCC operative, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Alabi told the court that he was the leader of Team A of the Cybercrime Unit at the Commission’s headquarters in 2024, and was directed to investigate an intelligence which showed that some individuals were impersonating officers of the Commission, with one claiming to be Olukoyede’s personal assistant. According to him, “Under the guise of false identity, the defendants approached the former managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko, claiming that his tenure as the M.D of NPA was being investigated by the EFCC, and claimed further that the EFCC Chairman and the Director of Operations have requested one million dollars to stop the investigation”. “Upon the receipt of this petition, we contacted Mr Koko. At that time, he was not in the country, but he confirmed the content of the intelligence report and that one million dollars was requested from him, which he said he negotiated down to $700,000 dollars. He said that he told them that his brother will contact them for the handing over of the cash. At that point, an undercover operative was detailed to keep communication with the impersonators.” Testifying further, he disclosed that “On 28 of August 2024, following the communication with the undercover operative with the defendants, the location was agreed for the exchange of the cash. The team proceeded to AA Rano Filling Station, Airport Road, Abuja, for the arrest but a new location was again agreed with the undercover operative named Abubakar Tanko. So, the team proceeded to the new location at Gimbya Street, where our undercover operative took position. And shortly after, the second defendant arrived at the location in a black coloured Toyota jeep with plate number GWA666PA. The operative then approached the second defendant to handover an already prepared bag containing dummy notes in US dollars. At the point of exchange, my team went ahead to effect the arrest of the second defendant.” The witness further disclosed that the second defendant eventually led his team to the residence of the first defendant where he was also arrested, adding that a search was conducted in his house with two phones recovered from him and Prado SUV, recovered from the second defendant. Following their arrest, he disclosed that both defendants were conveyed to the EFCC’s headquarters where they made their statements under caution and captured on video in the presence of their lawyers. Upon the conclusion of his testimony, the prosecution counsel sought an adjournment to enable her complete the administrative process of towing the recovered Prado SUV to the court and to be tendered as an exhibit. She also sought the leave of the court to play the video recordings of the defendants’ making their extrajudicial statements in the EFCC. Justice Onwuegbuzie granted her prayers and adjourned the matter till July 15, 16, 2026. alleged-700m-fraud-how-impersonator-of-olukoyedes-aide-was-arrested-witness ****************************************************** 1 JUL 2026 Alleged N740m Investment Scam: How I Lost N28m to Couple, Accomplice The trial of the Chief Executive Officer of Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-concept Media Limited Osabohein Alex Ologbose and his wife Hope Onome Oghelemu continued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, Modestus Uchenna Okafor, narrating how the couple's accomplice, Alice Ayeni, lured him into paying the sum of N28,080,000 into her bank account. The defendants, alongside their two companies, Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-concept Media Limited are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a seven-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of N740 million (Seven Hundred and Forty Million Naira), contrary to Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and punished under Section 18(4) of the same Act. Narrating his ordeal to the court, the witness, an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, stated that he met Ayeni in the Nigerian Export Import Bank, NEXIM Bank, when he went to make enquiry on the process of exporting ginger, garlic and other agricultural produce and how to obtain loan to finance the export. Led in his examination-in-chief by prosecution counsel, O.S.Ujam, the witness disclosed that Ayeni introduced him to the second defendant, Onome Global Market Resources Limited and convinced him that he can do business with the company. “She brought out the profile of the second defendant and told us that the second defendant is registered with the Corporate Affair Commission, CAC, with NEXIM certificate, and EFCC’s SCUML certificate. Alice Ayeni also told us that she is a director and a partner in the company. She gave us the profile of the second defendant for us to look at and we confirmed what she said to the truth. She also told us that she is a manager in NEXIM bank,” he said. Testifying further, the witness stated that “Alice also told us that the second defendant, Onome Global has a request to export 30 bags of bitter kola to Hong Kong and that she is also an investor and has 10 slots from the 30 bags of bitter kola requested from Hong Kong. She said she will give me two bags to invest, meaning that she will allow me to invest in the two bags of bitter kola. She gave me an account number to pay the sum of N620,000, that is N310,000 for each bag.” Responding to the prosecution counsel, he disclosed that he paid the sum N620,000 into an account Ayeni gave him, of which he said, she acknowledged the receipt of the payment, while he later paid the sum of N28,080,000.00 (Twenty Eight Million, Eighty thousand Naira) directly into Alade’s account for the export of bitter kola and red kola nuts to Hong Kong, China and Indonesia. “I made payment for Hong Kong, China and Indonesia export of bitter kola and red kolanuts, totalling N28,080,000, (Twenty-eight million, eighty thousand Naira) into the bank account of Alice Ayeni, which she gave to me and there is a confirmation of the receipt of the money by Alice Ayeni and the chats between me and Alice Ayeni I printed them out and I put in a flash drive,” he said. He further disclosed that after several weeks of failed promises from Ayeni, he and another victim, Ikechukwu Chikelum confronted her and she took them to the residence of the third defendant, Oghelemu. “I went with my friend who is also an investor to the house of Alice Ayeni. That My friend is an investor that I introduced whose name is Mr. Ikechukwu Chikelum. The third defendant assured us that within sometime, the payment will be made and we would receive all our return on investment and we believe her, because of what she said. Weeks passed into months, yet nothing was received, no payment was made. Then, they called for a meeting of all the investors at Living Faith Church,” he said. He disclosed that during the meeting, the first and third defendant, Ologbose and Oghelemu, respectively, as well as Ayeni apologized to them, claiming that the delay was from the receiving foreign companies, and that they are working hard to ensure that payment is made to them in the shortest possible time. The witness further revealed that he and other victims opted to petition the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA to verify the alleged transaction which he said the Foreign Affairs Ministry disclosed that there was no receiving company in Hong Kong and the other Asian countries mentioned in respect of the alleged transaction, while the NPA according to him, disclosed that there was no such shipment as claimed by the defendants. “We wrote to the Nigerian Port Authority and they replied that no such shipment by the defendants took place. That was when I concluded that I had been defrauded. I and six other investors contacted our lawyer who wrote a petition to the EFCC. My lord, till date I have not received my investment sum or any return on investment.” During the witness’s cross-examination, by the defence counsel, Femi Peter Joseph, he told the court that on Page 13 of Exhibit B1-74, Ayeni acknowledged the receipt for the sum of N7,000,000, and that on Pages 20 and 21 of the same Exhibit B1-74, she acknowledged the payment of N4,600,000 into Fidelity Bank in the name of Ayobola Anike Ventures Limited. “On page 56 of exhibit B1-74 I can also see that Alice Ayeni acknowledged the receipt of N2,380,000 from my friend Henry Chucks, who I also introduced. It was paid to the bank account of Ayobola Anike Ventures,” he said. Justice Akpan adjourned the matter till September 24, 2026, for continuation of trial. alleged-n740m-investment-scam-how-i-lost-n28m-to-couple-accomplice ******************************************** 30 JUN 2026 Olukoyede Charges Officers on Integrity, Institutional Rebranding The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged officers of the Commission to uphold integrity, competence and transparency and be worthy ambassadors as the anti-graft agency embarks on rebranding. He gave the charge on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the closing ceremony of the Strategic Leadership Course One, organised for senior officers of the Commission at its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. In his lecture titled: "Institutional Branding and Behavioural Impact," the EFCC boss observed that public confidence in the agency depended largely on the conduct and professionalism of its personnel, noting that every officer represents the image and values of the Commission both within and outside the workplace. He tasked the senior officers on operational effectiveness and accountability as well as fairness, which he said are imperative to place the Commission respectably in the public domain. The EFCC's boss urged the participants to act ethically and in honesty in their enforcement activities even under pressure. "Pursue financial crimes fearlessly, impartially, and without compromise, regardless of the stature of the offender," he said. He noted that institutional rebranding goes beyond adoption of a new logo or public relations messages, but hinges more on positive behaviourial and attitudinal change of every member of staff, noting that the Commission's effectiveness in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes depends on the level of trust it enjoys from the public, transparency, accountability and professionalism of officers. While urging the officers to understand that leadership extended beyond operational competence, he tasked them on equipping themselves with human capital management and crises resolution and in the ability to inspire confidence in subordinates. He explained that the Strategic Leadership Course was introduced to prepare officers for the broader responsibilities that accompany leadership positions as the activities of the Commission continue to grow in scope. "A leader must be able to create an atmosphere that makes people believe in what you do and believe in you. You must be able to encourage people, make sacrifices and even take bullets for your team and for the institution," he said. The continuous expansion of the Commission, he noted, required more officers to assume leadership responsibilities, thus making capacity development imperative and urged the officers to cultivate a culture of learning, noting that self-development is critical to their career advancement and institutional excellence. He further challenged the officers to embrace innovation and adapt to latest technologies, warning that clinging to outdated methods in the new era of artificial intelligence and cutting -edge technology could stall both individual and institutional progress. The EFCC as a law enforcement agency, he said, must constantly update its technological know- how and benchmark its operations with global best practices to remain effective, adding that the Commission's officers must regularly study developments in anti-corruption fight and law enforcement by paying diligent attention to the operations, methods and tactics of leading international agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI, of the United States and UK's National Crime Agency, NCA. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-charges-officers-on-integrity-institutional-rebranding ******************************************** 30 JUN 2026 Alleged $1.5m Fraud: EFCC Presents Two Witnesses Against Defendant in Lagos The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, 23 and Wednesday, 24 June, 2026 presented two prosecution witnesses, PW1, Babatunde Adebayo, and PW2, Paul Olufemi, in the trial of Ifoma Immanuel, who is facing charges an alleged $1.5 million fraud before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja. Investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly induced Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited to invest $1.5 million under the guise of financing projects linked to Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited, Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, and Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited. According to investigations , the investment was accompanied by assurances of reimbursement, a development capital fee of $2.25 million, and a 22.4 per cent equity stake in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited. Following the conclusion of investigations, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arraigned Immanuel and his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, on March 11, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery involving $1.5 million. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, PW1, led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, told the court how he facilitated the transfer of $500,000 into accounts nominated by the defendant in the United States and Mauritius. Adebayo, a financial adviser, testified that in 2022, Immanuel approached him seeking financial assistance, claiming that he had secured an investor interested in funding a business venture. “The defendant informed me that he had an investor willing to invest in a business. At that time, the exchange rate was about N600 to one US dollar,” he told the court. He further stated that the defendant later sent payment instructions via WhatsApp, including details relating to a total sum of $500,000. According to him, Immanuel provided his personal bank account details in Jersey Island, where $400,000 was to be credited, and directed him to confirm from Sheriff Oluwo and Chikezie Evuluchkwu where the remaining $100,000 should be sent. “He forwarded his personal bank details in Jersey Island, where the sum of $400,000 was to be credited. He also directed me to confirm from Sheriff Oluwo and Chikezie Evuluchkwu where the balance of $100,000 should be sent,” he said. Adebayo added that although the defendant initially requested that the funds be transferred into his personal account, he declined and insisted on a corporate account. “We requested a corporate account, and the defendant nominated Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited. All proof of payment was sent to Ifoma Immanuel. He gave instructions regarding the $400,000 transfer and directed me to contact Sheriff Oluwo and Chikezie Evuluchkwu concerning the balance of $100,000,” he testified. The prosecution also called PW2, Paul Olufemi, a compliance officer with Providus Bank, who testified on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Olufemi, led in evidence by another prosecuting counsel E. E. Iheanacho, SAN, told the court that he had worked in the bank’s compliance department for about four years and regularly interfaced with law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC. He stated that Providus Bank received a letter from the EFCC on May 30, 2025, requesting account-opening documents and statements of accounts relating to the first defendant. “We received the request and, after scrutinising it, retrieved and printed the account -opening documents and statements of account from our records. We also attached a certificate of identification duly certified by the bank,” he said. The witness identified the EFCC request letter, the bank’s covering letter, the certificate of identification, account-opening documents, and statements of account, and sought to tender them as exhibits. Counsel to the first defendant, Awah Kalu, SAN, raised no objection to the documents being admitted in evidence. However, counsel to the second defendant, C. E. Wilson Okereke, objected to the admissibility of some of the documents, arguing that they were photocopies that had not been duly certified by the EFCC. He further contended that the Certificate of Incorporation of 107 Global Ventures, being a public document, ought to have been properly certified before being tendered. In response, prosecution counsel Iheanacho, SAN, argued that the documents originated from Providus Bank, which had custody of them, and that the witness, being a bank official, was competent to tender them. He further submitted that the documents were original bank records accompanied by the bank’s certification and covering letter. Following the objections, the prosecution opted to withdraw the disputed documents to regularise their status. Justice Dada subsequently granted the application, striking out the EFCC request letter and the Providus Bank response letter from the list of exhibits. The matter was adjourned until June 29, 2026, for the continuation of trial. The press release contains a photo: alleged-15m-fraud-efcc-presents-two-witnesses-against-defendant-in-lagos ************************************************** 22 JUN 2026 EFCC Arrests CEO, One Other for Alleged N68m Visa Fraud in Enugu Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Chukwujindu Goodness Nchekwube, Chief Executive Officer, Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited alongside Rogers Oluwaseyi Eruku (a.k.a Bakary Rogers Yanni), a suspected fraudster, for allegedly defrauding 24 (Twenty-four) victims the sum of N68, 020, 000. 00 (Sixty-eight Million, Twenty Thousand Naira) under the pretence of assisting them to process work visas. A petitioner, James Ikechukwu, alleged that Nchekwube approached him and introduced herself as a visa consultant capable of assisting people to procure work visas to their desired countries, through her company, Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited. He further alleged that between September, 2024 and December, 2025, he contracted Nchekwube’s company (Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited) to process work visas to various countries for 20 (Twenty) of his clients and the sum of N57, 620, 000. 00 (Fifty-seven Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) was transferred to her company’s accounts for processing the visas, with a promise to deliver them at a stipulated period of time. “However, after receiving the money, Mrs Nchekwube blatantly refused to deliver the visas to my clients as agreed, rather, she converted the money to her personal use. After much persistence for her to deliver the work visas, she delivered some visas to some of my clients but to our greatest surprise, it was discovered that the visas/Offer Letters were forged to make my clients believe that they were genuine”, the petitioner alleged. In the course of investigation, the suspect claimed that she gave the said money to Eruku who had presented himself to her as a reliable person capable of procuring visas for people to any part of the world. She claimed that the said fake visa/Offer Letters were procured by Eruku. In a curious twist, another petitioner, Oranezi David Chinedu alleged that Eruku, sometime in May 2024, offered to procure work visas for him and three of his friends to Ireland and some other countries. He claimed that the total money fraudulently collected by Eruku for the visas was N10, 400, 000. 00 (Ten million, Four hundred Thousand Naira), only for him to handover forged documents to them. “I was highly disappointed at the criminal act by Bakary Rogers Yanni to have collected money for visa processing purposes only to issue me and my friends fake documents”, he said. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-ceo-one-other-for-alleged-n68m-visa-fraud-in-enugu ********************************************** 19 JUN 2026 Alleged $41,000 Romance Scam: EFCC Calls Witness in Trial of Edidiong James in Uyo The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, has called its first witness, Deputy Superintendent of EFCC, DSE Unyime P. Moses in the trial of an alleged romance scammer, Edidiong Nsidore James. Moses told Justice Maurine Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, that the evidence of James’ alleged involvement in the $41,000 love scam was discovered in his mobile phone. Explaining further, the witness stated that the communication between the defendant and his victim, Elizabeth, whom he often called ‘My Everything’, had details of the alleged monetary exchange between them According to Moses, the chat evidence printed from the defendant’s phone revealed that when the victim demanded that her money be refunded to her, the defendant failed to comply. Instead, he demanded for more money under various guises, insisting that the additional money must be sent to him, to enable him release her $41,000 to her. “Send me $900 if you want your money back, because if you don’t send me the $900, I won’t give you your money back”, James said in their chat. Moses also told the court that, when the victim threatened to report him to the EFCC, the defendant boasted to her that the EFCC cannot arrest him: “Did you really think the EFCC could arrest me? I remember I once told you that all this won’t help us, that you sent me $900, but you refused. So, tell me, how long will it take you to stop thinking you can arrest me.” While giving her evidence-in-chief, the PW1 told the court that the defendant used pseudo names to defraud his victims, and also identified himself as ‘Jessy James’ when he was arrested. She said a BVN check was immediately conducted and it was confirmed that Jessy was a fake name. The witness also told the court that all pleas from the victim to the defendant to refund her money fell on deaf ears as James kept demanding for more money. Elisabeth once pleaded in one of her chats with James: “at the end of August, the bailiff will take my apartment and because of you, I will be on the street with my child. I will never forgive you for this. If you do this to me, to whom you said you love, then what will you do to the one you don’t love? I don’t need your pity and I don’t need any feelings at all from you. I need my $41,000” The PW1 also narrated how she went ahead to put a call across to the victim who responded, but got angry the instant she mentioned the name of the defendant. Moses said the victim rained curses on her and called the entire country ‘corrupt’. “Don’t ever call me again, your entire country is as corrupt as Jessy and I do not wish to speak with any of you again, except through my country’s Embassy” After the cross-examination, the court adjourned to September 22 and 23, 2026, for further hearing. James was arrested at his residence located at Ring Road 3, off Camp Gee, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in an intelligence- driven sting operation on October 8, 2025. Items recovered from the defendant include an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Redmi 13 mobile phone, and a Lexus ES350, which were all tendered as exhibits by the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin and were all admitted in evidence. During a forensic examination of the said gadgets, incriminating communications between the defendant and his victim were discovered in the devices revealing how he had allegedly been defrauding Elizabeth for over three years through a romance scam and extorting money from her. Further probe revealed that he had received a total sum of $41,000 from his victim and was still demanding more. While interrogated, James stated that he owned a BetNaija shop which he said he established in 2021. He further claimed that he engaged in boosting social media accounts, by increasing followers. According to him, he charged between ?30,000 and ?40,000 per account and has boosted about 20 accounts for his online clients. However, no evidence was found to substantiate his claim of operating a social media account boosting business, and no proof that any client had sent login details to him for account boosting services. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was actively involved in internet fraud, specializing in romance scams and identity theft. Findings showed that he used fictitious Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to communicate with his victims, including Elizabeth. Investigations also established that his victims were foreign nationals and not Nigerians as he had earlier claimed. Although the suspect claimed that he only benefited $4,000 from Elizabeth, a Hungarian, conversations retrieved from his devices revealed that he received way more than the amount he claimed. James was first arraigned on January 30, 2026, and pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the three-count charges preferred against him by the Commission. One of the charges reads: “That you, Edidiong Isidore James ( a.k.a Jessy Isidore James), on or sometime in February 2025 in Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of Forty-One Thousand United States Dollars ($41,000 USD), property of Elizabeth (‘My Everything’) and other unsuspecting victims, under the pretence of trading in Bitcoin/Forex Trading, which pretence you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” The press release contains a photo: alleged-41000-romance-scam-efcc-calls-witness-in-trial-of-edidiong-james-in-uyo ******************************************************* 9 JUN 2026 Uphold Integrity and Moral Standards- Olukoyede Tasks Students, Teachers in Port Harcourt The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has tasked students and teachers across the country to uphold integrity and high moral standards in all they do, adding that there is no nation or country that can sustain itself without the youths. Olukoyede made the charge on Friday June 5, 2025 when students and teachers of Springfield Schools, Port Harcourt, Rivers State visited the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on a scheduled educational trip. The trip was aimed at broadening the understanding of students and teachers on the mandate of the EFCC and approaches being adopted by the Commission in achieving the mandate Speaking through the Ag. Zonal Director of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hassan Saidu, Olukoyede noted that the success of a nation depends extensively on the conduct of its younger generation. "There is no country that can sustain itself without the youths, that is why, as we are talking now, Germany is decrying the decline in population of its youths", he said. Olukoyede further acknowledged roles of teachers in nurturing the younger generations towards achieving their goals in life, adding that their roles as tutors cannot be overemphasized as it is God that has placed them in those roles. Head, Public Affairs, Port Harcourt’s Directorate, Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Akpos Mezeh-Ekisowei expounded the preventive mandate of the EFC, stressing that it is a sustainable and cost effective framework against corruption, economic and financial crimes. "The need for a preventive mandate in the fight against corruption arises from the understanding that prevention is more effective and sustainable in tackling corrupt practices”, she said. Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE James Hosea discussed extensively on enforcement, investigation and prevention of financial crimes. He enjoined the students to employ their access to various electronic devices to "keep their personal information safe, use strong passwords, desist from sharing their bank details with strangers and report suspicious transactions". DSE Audu Dodo from the Legal and Prosecution Department also discussed the prosecutorial mandate of the Commission urging students to steer clear of corruption, economic and financial crimes in order to achieve the brighter future they all aspire towards. The field trip also featured a tour of some of the facilities in the Directorate, including the Forensic laboratory and holding facilities, among others. The press release contains a photo: uphold-integrity-and-moral-standards-olukoyede-tasks-students-teachers-in-port-harcourt ************************************************ 6 JUN 2026 PRESS STATEMENT: Setting the Records Straight on Citizen Asar Michael Sesugh's Death The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, considered it imperative to clear the air on some recent incidents at its Makurdi Zonal Directorate, Benue State. Operatives of the Directorate arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters on April 28, 2026. They were profiled and kept in custody for further investigations after obtaining a Remand Order at a Magistrate Court. Shortly after their arrest, specifically on May 4, 2026, three of the suspects sought permission to use the lavatory at the Directorate's Holding Facility and were permitted. They cashed in on the opportunity, broke the toilet's roof and escaped from detention. Several efforts were made to re- arrest them to no avail. However, fresh intelligence came on Thursday, May 21, 2026 that one of the escaped suspects, Asar Michael Sesugh, was hiding somewhere in the Kansho axis of Makurdi. Operatives made for the location. Upon sighting the team, Sesugh and his suspected cult members opened fire on them. Operatives of the Commission returned fire in self-defence. All the suspected cult members, including Sesugh, fled owing to the exchange of fire between them and EFCC's operatives. However, Sesugh was later sighted lying in the pool of his blood by the roadside. He was promptly taken to the Police Cottage Hospital at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi where he was pronounced dead. The Commission reported the matter at the Benue State Police Headquarters, Makurdi and the Police has begun investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his death and making efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the suspected cult. Preliminary reports of the findings of the Police have also been released to the public. The Commission wishes to state clearly that the dead suspect did not die in custody and was not on bail at any time. While the EFCC expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased suspect, it will not condone any further attack of its Operatives or breach of its internal security by suspects. The Commission assures that it will continue to act in the best interests of the nation. press-statement-setting-the-records-straight-on-citizen-asar-michael-sesughs-death ***************************************************** 6 JUN 2026 Sports, Unifying Tools of Youths against Internet Fraud - Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has stated that sports are unifying instruments of youths across the country against internet fraud. He disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, June 4, 2026 while on a courtesy visit to the President of Organization of Military Sports in Africa, OSMA, Major General Maikano Abdullahi (Retd). Olukoyede who spoke through the Head of EFCC Sports, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Halilu Dauda as one of the delegates of the Association of Directors of Sports from Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary Agencies, stated that the EFCC has taken many youths off the streets by offering them gainful employment through the EFCC’s sport team and activities. “In my organization, we have done a lot in terms of taking youths off the streets and giving them opportunities in sport. Many youths are employed in my organization because of sports. I believe all other organizations here are doing the same and if we can improve on these efforts, we are going to take many more youths off the streets and cybercrimes will definitely reduce. Even issues of insecurity issues will be tackled more effectively because many youths will be engaged and their talents harnessed”, he said. Responding, Abdullahi appreciated the delegates for the visit and expressed his willingness to collaborate with them in promoting sporting activities among agencies. “Sport is one of the biggest labor markets in the world. It is either you are watching, selling or participating. So, I appreciate all your commitments, especially for coming together to give sports a more effective direction. I am ready to play any role for this organization to make sure that it survives and for the purpose of agencies coming together. Let us also take our time to visit all the Heads of Parastatals to tell them our aims and objectives. We have many talents in various organizations that we don’t know. Let us discover them so that we can train people that will represent Nigeria and if we form a paramilitary team, I believe no team in Africa can beat us” he said. Abdulahi called for more awareness and support for military and paramilitary sports to foster unity, socialization, discipline and sportsmanship for national glory. Representing the leader of the delegation, Lawal Oladipo, Commandant of Sport, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCD, disclosed the need for Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary Agencies to foster stronger relationships in sports as it will boost coordination and information sharing for national security. He also added that the benefits will improve patriotism, improve the already existing esprit de corps and as well create room for talent discovery for national and international competitions. The press release contains a photo: sports-unifying-tools-of-youths-against-internet-fraud-olukoyede ******************************************************* 3 JUN 2026 Court Jails One for N2.9m Crypto Fraud in Maiduguri Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 convicted and sentenced one Bukar Ahmed Shuwa to ten years imprisonment. The convict was arraigned on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one -count amended charge for the offence of cheating to the tune of N2,950,000.00 (Two Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). The charge reads: "That you, Bukar Ahmed Shuwa sometimes in the year 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court fraudulently induced one Mahmud Ali to deliver to you the aggregate sum of N2, 950,000.00 under the guise of Crypto Bitget Wallet Coin Investment and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 309 and punishable under Section 310 of the Penal Code Law and Other Matters Connected therewith Law, 2023." The defendant pleaded 'guilty' to the charge when it was read to him. Following his plea, prosecution counsel, A.D Abdulmalik prayed the court to convict him accordingly. While in the same vein, counsel to the defendant, H. Basharu pleaded for leniency and urged the court to temper justice with mercy upon him. Basharu further stated that the convict had fully restituted the money to the petitioner and urged the court to sentence him with an option of fine. Thereafter, Justice Kumaliya convicted and sentenced the convict to ten years imprisonment with an option of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The convict’s journey to the Correctional facility started when he fraudulently induced the petitioner to deliver to him the sum of N2.9m under the guise of Crypto Bitget Wallet Coin Investment and diverted the money to his personal use. The press release contains a photo: court-jails-one-for-n29m-crypto-fraud-in-maiduguri ******************************************* 1 JUN 2026 Alleged Impersonation of EFCC Staff: Defendant Faces Judgment June 15 Justice A. I. Akobi of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court, Kubwa, Abuja, on Monday, June 1, 2026, slated June 15, 2026 for judgment in the case of criminal impersonation of officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and extortion by one Salifu Olije Mustapha. At Monday’s proceeding, the EFCC presented its First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Stanley Ujilibo against the defendant. The witness, an investigator with the EFCC, disclosed that the Commission received intelligence on how the defendant and two others, identified as Haruna Mamuda Adamu and Abubakar Umar Hamisu- who are currently under arrest and investigation by a security agency-on several occasions kitted themselves with fake operational uniforms of EFCC and set out in the defendant’s Toyota Corolla, with registration number KTU-399-GT to extort money from unsuspecting youths around Sherif Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja. He further disclosed that the defendant’s share of the proceeds of their criminal activities is usually paid into his account with Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, adding that EFCC’s investigation team had to write Moniepoint for the statement of the defendant’s account as well as his account opening package and certificate of identification. Documents, including video evidence, recorded by eyewitnesses during one of the gang’s unlawful activities, tendered in evidence by prosecution counsel, R.U. Adagba were admitted by the court and marked Exhibit A to D. On his part, counsel to the defendant, John Ainetor, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him review the evidence and cross-examine the witness. The defendant is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a four-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation to which he pleaded guilty upon arraignment. Justice Akobi adjourned the matter till June 15, 2026 for continuation of cross- examination and sentencing of the defendant. The press release contains a photo: alleged-impersonation-of-efcc-staff-defendant-faces-judgment-june-15 ************************************************** 1 JUN 2026 Romance Scam: Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N17.1m to FG Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, June 1, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of the sum of N17,100,595.40 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The forfeited fund, domiciled in Access Bank, is linked to one Ifeanyi Alele David, who is under investigation for alleged romance fraud and related criminal activities by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The judge issued the order, following a motion on notice filed by the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, through its counsel, C.C. Okezie. The court had, on February 26, 2026, granted an interim forfeiture order of the fund and directed the Commission to publish the order in a national newspaper to enable any interested person or entity to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. While moving the application for the final forfeiture, Okezie informed the court that the Commission complied with the publication order by publishing the interim forfeiture notice in The Punch newspaper on April 10, 2026. Okezie also stated that no individual or entity came forward within the stipulated period to contest the forfeiture. She further stated that the application was supported by an affidavit deposed to by an EFCC operative, Samson Aguma, who detailed the findings of the Commission's investigation. According to the affidavit, the EFCC received a petition from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, alleging that David was involved in a romance scam scheme connected to the tragic death of a United States of American citizen. According to him, on September 15, 2021, a romance fraud victim committed suicide in a hotel room in Denver, Colorado, USA. Following the discovery of her body, law enforcement officers recovered her mobile device and observed multiple messages from an individual identified as "Garry Micheal" through the Google Hangouts application. Investigations further revealed that the suspect repeatedly solicited funds from the victim under various false pretences, including requests for money to secure his release from prison and facilitate his return to the United States. The affidavit disclosed that on the day the victim took her own life, the suspect allegedly demanded an additional sum of $60,000 from her, despite her expressing severe financial distress and indicating that she had exhausted her resources. Further investigations by the FBI allegedly established that the victim sent approximately $154,500 between August 30 and September 13, 2021, through various channels connected to the fraudulent scheme. Aguma stated that forensic analysis traced email accounts, internet protocol (IP) addresses, telephone records, and an Apple iCloud account linked to the romance fraud activities to David in Nigeria. He further disclosed that the sum of N17,100,595.40 found in David’s Access Bank account was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and formed part of the funds derived from the fraudulent scheme. After listening to the submissions of the EFCC and reviewing the affidavit evidence before the court, Justice Owoeye held that the application had merit and consequently ordered the final forfeiture of the sum of N17,100,595.40 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. romance-scam-court-orders-final-forfeiture-of-n171m-to-fg ******************************************** 29 MAY 2026 Olukoyede Charges Students to Embrace Integrity for Future Leadership The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to cultivate discipline, integrity and hard work as essential qualities for future leadership. He gave the charge in Abuja recently at a sensitization lecture for pupils of Loyola Jesuit Basic School, Karu – Karshi Road, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja who visited the EFCC Academy on an educational excursion. Represented by the Head, Media Academy Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Chidimma Amanambu, the EFCC Chairman urged the pupils to shun dishonesty and criminality while striving for excellence and good conduct. “You are the future leaders. Be disciplined, truthful, original and hardworking. These values will make you responsible leaders that Nigeria will be proud of,” he said. During the interactive session, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Angel O. Israel, delivered a lecture on “Consequences of Crime and the Benefits of Good Morals,” where the pupils were enlightened on the history, mandate and operations of the Commission, as well as offences investigated by the EFCC and career opportunities within the agency. Speaking on behalf of the pupils and management of the school, the leader of the delegation, Ramat Joshua, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the impactful session and exposure provided to the students. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-charges-students-to-embrace-integrity-for-future-leadership ********************************************* 25 MAY 2026 EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged Job Scam in Gombe The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Gombe Zonal Directorate on Thursday, May 21, 2026, arraigned one Dalhatu Yahaya, before Justice A.M Yakubu of the Gombe High Court 2, Gombe, Gombe State. ?Yahaya was arraigned on two- count charges bordering on intent to defraud to the tune of N3,500,000( Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) ?One of the charges read:“That you, Dalhatu Yahaya sometimes in 2025 at Gombe, Gombe State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, with intent to defraud induced one Abubakar Shuaibu Yakubu to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand (N3,5000,000) as payment to help him secure employment with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, a representation which you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act. He pleaded not guilty to the two -count charges preferred against him. Following the plea of the defendant , prosecution counsel, J.D Tortema requested for a trial date and remand of the defendant in a Correctional centre but defence counsel, Yusuf A. Ali, informed the court that an application for bail had been filed before the court. Justice Yakubu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) and one surety in like sum. The surety should own a landed property worth N5m and must be a resident in Gombe and be of good standing. Additionally, the surety should tender the original copy of the landed property to the court and a valid Identity Card with his international passports, subject to verification by the Court Registrar. The judge thereafter adjoined the case to June 22, 2026 for commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Gombe Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-one-for-alleged-job-scam-in-gombe **************************************** 25 MAY 2026 Calabar Court Sends Two Fraudsters to Jail The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday May 20, 2026 secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters before Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar Cross River State. They pleaded 'guilty' to two- count separate charges preferred against them by the Commission. One of the charges read: 'That you, IKE EUSTA-PRINCE EZIOMUME "M" sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars) and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act'. Another charge reads: 'That you, VICTOR PIUS NNAEGBO "M" sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of €530 (Five Hundred and Thirty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act'. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud, reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence them in accordance with the provisions of the law. Defence counsel, Douglas Besong did not object but prayed the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendants. After listening to both counsel, Justice Oghoghorie convicted and sentenced Ike Eusta-Prince Eziomume to two years jail term with an option of a fine of N500, 000.00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and to restitute $200 (Two Hundred USD), and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty Euros) to his victims. While Victor Pius Nnaegbo got two years jail term with a N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) fine option and to restitute the sum of €530 (Five Hundred and Thirty Euros) to his victim. They both forfeited the gadgets used in committing the said crimes. The convicts were arrested on May 5 and 12, 2026, at Umuahia and Aba Areas of Abia State. They were subsequently charged to court and convicted. The press release contains a photo: calabar-court-sends-two-fraudsters-to-jail ********************************************* 25 MAY 2026 Olukoyede Tasks Youths on Integrity, Ethical Behaviour at Dreamrise Festival The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged Nigerian youths to embrace ethical behaviour and innovation as tools for national development and sustainable future. He gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Dreamrise Festival 2026, a National Young People Celebration, themed “The Future We are Building.” Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of EFCC Radio Station, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu, noted that integrity remained the foundation of true leadership and nation-building. Addressing the participants drawn from across the country, Olukoyede noted that the future of Nigeria depended largely on the values of young people and the choices they made. He stated that while the EFCC’s mandate is to combat economic and financial crimes, the Commission recognizes that the most effective anti-corruption strategy is reorienting young people to embrace integrity as a way of life. He disclosed that the Commission has continued to establish Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools as well as Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions across the country to inculcate ethical values in students. “Leadership starts with character, not title. Real leadership begins when a young person refuses to cheat in an examination, rejects cybercrime and chooses honesty over shortcuts,” he said. The EFCC boss warned the youths against the misuse of innovations and technology, stressing that creativity without ethics could easily degenerate into criminality. “Nigeria has some of the brightest young minds in the world. Your ideas and skills can solve problems in agriculture, health, education and finance. But innovation without integrity is dangerous. Technology without ethics becomes a tool for exploitation,” he said. He regretted the increasing involvement of youths in cybercrime, describing it as self-sabotage and a waste of talent that could otherwise be deployed for productive ventures. “True innovators create value, not victims. I urge you to channel your creativity into enterprises and ideas that solve real problems and create jobs for others,” he said. Also speaking during a panel discussion on the theme of the event, the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Aisha Mohammed, stated that the Commission remained committed to directing the minds of young people onto the paths of integrity and responsible lifestyle, adding that the Commission guides youths to excel in their chosen careers and in the upholding of ethical standards. “Whatever you want to become, fashion designer, entrepreneur, musician or broadcaster, do it right and be good at it,” she said. She urged the youth to avoid all forms of economic and financial crimes, noting that they represent the future of Nigeria. In her welcome address, the convener and executive director of the Lola Cater Foundation, Ololade Ogunnubi, said the initiative was designed to nurture young Nigerians into future leaders and innovators, capable of providing solutions to societal challenges. She noted that empowering young people early enough would help them become ethical thinkers and responsible leaders for national development. He encouraged the participants not to see themselves as too young to lead or make an impact in society. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-tasks-youths-on-integrity-ethical-behaviour-at-dreamrise-festival ************************************************** 25 MAY 2026 EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged Job Scam in Gombe The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Gombe Zonal Directorate on Thursday, May 21, 2026, arraigned one Dalhatu Yahaya, before Justice A.M Yakubu of the Gombe High Court 2, Gombe, Gombe State. Yahaya was arraigned on two- count charges bordering on intent to defraud to the tune of N3,500,000( Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) One of the charges read:“That you, Dalhatu Yahaya sometimes in 2025 at Gombe, Gombe State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, with intent to defraud induced one Abubakar Shuaibu Yakubu to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand (N3,5000,000) as payment to help him secure employment with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, a representation which you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act. He pleaded not guilty to the two -count charges preferred against him. Following the plea of the defendant, prosecution counsel, J.D Tortema requested for a trial date and remand of the defendant in a Correctional centre but defence counsel, Yusuf A. Ali, informed the court that an application for bail had been filed before the court. Justice Yakubu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5,000,000 (Five Million aira) and one surety in like sum. The surety should own a landed property worth N5m and must be a resident in Gombe and be of good standing. Additionally, the surety should tender the original copy of the landed property to the court and a valid Identity Card with his international passports, subject to verification by the Court Registrar. The judge thereafter adjoined the case to June 22, 2026 for commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Gombe Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-one-for-alleged-job-scam-in-gombe ********************************************* 25 MAY 2026 Calabar Court Sends Two Fraudsters to Jail The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday May 20, 2026 secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters before Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar Cross River State. They pleaded 'guilty' to two- count separate charges preferred against them by the Commission. One of the charges read: 'That you, IKE EUSTA-PRINCE EZIOMUME "M" sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars) and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d} of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act'. Another charge reads: 'That you, VICTOR PIUS NNAEGBO "M" sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of €530 (Five Hundred and Thirty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act'. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud , reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence them in accordance with the provisions of the law. Defence counsel, Douglas Besong did not object but prayed the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendants. After listening to both counsel, Justice Oghoghorie convicted and sentenced Ike Eusta- Prince Eziomume to two years jail term with an option of a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and to restitute $200 (Two Hundred USD), and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty Euros) to his victims. While Victor Pius Nnaegbo got two years jail term with a N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) fine option and to restitute the sum of €530 (Five Hundred and Thirty Euros) to his victim. They both forfeited the gadgets used in committing the said crimes. The convicts were arrested on May 5 and 12, 2026, at Umuahia and Aba Areas of Abia State. They were subsequently charged to court and convicted. The press release contains a photo of each 419er: calabar-court-sends-two-fraudsters-to-jail ******************************************** 18 MAY 2026 EFCC Moves to Support Constructive Ventures Among Youths in Curbing Internet Fraud The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to support constructive and meaningful ventures to combat internet- related fraud among young Nigerians. He gave this affirmation at the International Day of the Boy Child themed Boys For Integrity, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The programme, held to commemorate the International Boy Child Day, encouraged young boys to embrace integrity, hard work, and positive values for a better future. Highlighting the theme of the event, Olukoyede who was represented by the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, reiterated the need for integrity, discipline and honesty among young Nigerians, adding that, “If we want a Nigeria free of corruption, we must raise a generation of boys who see integrity not as a burden, but an identity.” He added that integrity was the foundation of adulthood and real adulthood is measured by character when no one is watching. "It is choosing honesty over shortcuts, fairness over favouritism and accountability over excuses. Boys must be taught, we must not assume they know, if we assume they know, they will not know. We cannot assume boys will figure out integrity on their own. They need to hear it, see it and practice it”, he said. Olukoyede further stated that the mandate of the EFCC is not limited to only arrest and prosecution, the Commission also has the mandate of enlightening and reorienting the behaviour, cultures and life patterns of the Nigerian youths. “Finally, we at the EFCC, our mandate is to fight economic and financial crimes, but we know that arrests alone will not change a culture. The real victory will come when boys decide that integrity is non-negotiable and that’s why we create the Integrity Club for primary and secondary school and Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institutions all trying to instil that spirit of integrity in young ones”, he said. President of Great Achievers Initiative For Youths and Community Development, GAIYD, organiser of the event, Hillary Akpua, said the organisation began its advocacy several years ago out of concern that the boy child had been largely ignored in conversations surrounding child development, adding that the group has consistently pushed for greater attention to the emotional, moral and social development of boys. “It’s a journey that we started with friends and today we are almost five years old,” he said. Akpua noted that the organisation deliberately adopted football for the 2026 event because of the sport’s ability to unite people and attract wider participation among young boys. “Football brings nations together, football brings communities together, football brings families together,” he said. He stressed that the central message of the programme was to encourage boys to grow with integrity and responsibility. Also speaking, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, Wakilin Raya Kasar Zazzau, admonished the boys to be good leaders of tomorrow and urged parents to be role models to their children, and to serve as advisers, mentors and role models to the boys. The event highlighted sporting activities including 100 meters race, with Peter Emmanuel, from Bill Clinton College emerging the winner, while Gabriel Oche from Government Secondary School, GSS Nyanya came second and Timothy Excellence from Winning Ways Academy came third. For the 400 meters race, David Sunday from GSS, Karu, came first, Egele Goodluck from God's Grace International Academy came second, while Nathaniel Gunana from Bri Mike Montessori Academy clinched the third place award. The press release contains a photo: efcc-moves-to-support-constructive-ventures-among-youths-in-curbing-internet-fraud **************************************************** 18 MAY 2026 EFCC Commences Investigation of Two Suspects for Undeclared $461,600 at Kano Airport The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has begun investigation of two male suspects: Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi for a total sum of $461,600 (Four Hundred Sixty One Thousand, Six Hundred United States Dollars) undeclared to men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, after arriving from Dubai via Ethiopian Airline ET941. While they initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk, a subsequent physical examination by Customs officers revealed an additional undeclared $120,000 on the first suspect (bringing his total to $250,000) and an additional $31,600 on the second suspect (bringing his total to $211,600). The undeclared amounts contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. Upon handover by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, assured the Nigeria Customs Service of the Commission’s commitment to a full-scale investigation. “The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice,” he said. He further expressed deep appreciation to the NCS for the long-standing and consistent cooperation of the Service with the EFCC over the years, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in combating the illegal movement of cash and financial crimes. Similarly, in his earlier remarks, Adamu expressed his deep appreciation to the EFCC for its unwavering support to the Nigeria Customs Service. "Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realizing our goal while combating the illegal movement of cash”, he said. Following the formal takeover, the two suspects, along with the recovered undeclared currency and other relevant exhibits, were transported to the office of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, where they are currently being held for further investigation and potential prosecution. The press release contains a photo: efcc-commences-investigation-of-two-suspects-for-undeclared-461600-at-kano-airport ************************************************** 12 MAY 2026 This article comes from Huffpost(US) via Yahoo Life{US) and is a human interest story recounting of a Nigerian businessman who was victimized by 419ers who said they were part of an organization called World Wide World Wide. It is compelling reading, but is too long to be posted here. So, here is a link to the article, for as long as it is good: dads-life-fell-apart-died-164917078.html ******************************************* 12 MAY 2026 EFCC Presents Second Witness in Trial of Austrian for Undeclared $800,575, €651,505 at Lagos Airport The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, opposed the defence’s bid to adjourn the trial of an Austrian national arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for allegedly failing to declare $800,575 and €651,505 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The defendant, Kavlak Onal, who was scheduled to travel to Dubai aboard Emirates Airline, was intercepted by operatives of the NCS during a routine check at the Anti-Money Laundering /Combating the Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT, Currency Declaration Desk on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and was subsequently handed over to the EFCC for further investigation. Upon conclusion of investigation, he was arraigned on Friday, January 9, 2026, before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering. Count one reads: “That you, Mr. Kavlak Onal, on December 13, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $800,575 (Eight Hundred Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Five United States Dollars) to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.” Count two reads: “That you, Mr. Kavlak Onal, on December 13, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of €651,505 (Six Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, Five Hundred and Five Euros) to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.” The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against him. At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, Omon Omofona, who appeared for the defence, informed the court that the lead counsel was attending to another matter in a different court and sought an adjournment. In response, the prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, informed the court that accelerated hearing had earlier been granted in the matter. Citing relevant laws, Buhari stated that “The witness is on official assignment, but left his duty post to be here. “It is proper that the counsel already present in court be briefed on the matter and proceed accordingly. “This is a criminal trial, and the image of the country is also at stake.” While acknowledging the prosecution’s argument that the matter was a criminal trial, Omofona pleaded with the court to grant the adjournment application in the interest of fair hearing. In her ruling, Justice Bogoro held that the counsel present in court should take note of proceedings and brief the lead counsel accordingly, adding that a date would be fixed for cross-examination. The judge consequently ordered that the trial should proceed. Thereafter, Buhari presented the second prosecution witness, PW2, Sani Ibrahim, an operative of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS. Led in evidence by Buhari, the witness, who is attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, told the court that he met the defendant in December 2025 after a colleague informed him about a passenger travelling to Dubai aboard Emirates Airline. According to him: “My colleague requested that I assist the defendant into the departure hall after he had collected his boarding pass. “My colleague also informed me that the passenger was ill. “So, I went to the Emirates Airline counter and met the defendant. “I collected his passport and boarding pass and asked him to follow me into the departure hall.” Continuing his testimony, the witness said: “The defendant told me he was ill and requested that I take him to the lounge inside the airport. “I cleared him and took him to the AVSEC Aviation Security point, where his luggage was to be screened. “After the bag was scanned, AVSEC personnel discovered suspicious items inside the bag. “At that point, I asked him what was inside the bag, and he said they were medicines and other personal belongings. “He, however, did not mention that he had money inside the bag.” The witness further stated that he later escorted the defendant to officials of the Nigeria Customs Service for currency declaration. “I told Sulaiman, a Customs officer, that he was a passenger travelling aboard Emirates Airline and that he was ill. “Sulaiman asked the defendant whether he had any currency to declare, and the defendant answered, ‘No.’ “They then requested to search the bag, and the defendant consented.” He added that during the search, Customs officers discovered an envelope containing United States dollars, which prompted a more thorough search. “In the process, they discovered a huge amount of money, the likes of which I had never seen in my life,” he said. The witness further told the court that the defendant was immediately taken to the Customs office, after which he informed his superior officer about the development. According to him, the Customs officer subsequently requested the defendant to make a written statement. Justice Bogoro, thereafter, adjourned the matter till July 13, 2026, for the cross- examination of the second prosecution witness. efcc-presents-second-witness-in-trial-of-austrian-for-undeclared-800575-651505-at-lagos-airport ********************************************* 29 APR 2026 EFCC Not Only Fights Fraudsters, It Also Commends Upright Nigerians- Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede has disclosed that the Commission places a premium on commending upright Nigerians for upholding anti-corruption values as well as holding fraudulent ones accountable for their criminal engagements. He made this disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 while making a speech at the Business Grant Award Ceremony convened by the Jerry Eze Foundation. The EFCC boss narrated how the Commission investigated Pastor Jerry Eze , Founder of Streams of Joy International for money laundering for six months and found out that he was not involved in any form of financial crime. “I want to let Nigerians know that EFCC is not just about investigating and prosecuting fraudsters, it is also appreciating and commending Nigerians who are not involved in any form of economic and financial crimes. I commended Pastor Jerry Eze when our investigations showed that he was not involved in money laundering”, he said. He warned religious leaders against corrupt practices, stressing that integrity should be the watchword of adherents of every religion. On the 240 small-scale business owners that the Jerry Eze Foundation supported with a grant of $3000 each, the anti graft leader pointed out that such a gesture was a good way of making statement about impact and nation building, stressing that Nigerians should always strive to make such a statement by impacting lives around them. He commended President Bola Tinubu for allowing the EFCC to release N100billion from its Recovery Account to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation as seed capital for their take-off. “Now, we are working on a Cyber Crime Research Centre to empower our youth in the area of information technologies for the optimization of their talents. We believe that our youths can deploy their talents to socially-beneficial purpose”, he said The press release contains a photo: efcc-not-only-fights-fraudsters-it-also-commends-upright-nigerians-olukoyede ******************************************* 27 APR 2026 Court Sets June 22 for Hearing on Couple’s Alleged N740m Investment Fraud Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Monday, April 17, 2026, set June 22, July 1 and 2, 2026 for definite hearing in the trial of the Chief Executive Officer of Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-concept Media Limited, Osabohein Alex Ologbose, and his wife Hope Onome Oghelemu for alleged investment fraud. The duo are being prosecuted alongside two companies, on a seven-count charge, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, conversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of N740 million, contrary to Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and punishment under Section 18(4) of the same Act. They were arraigned on February 16, 2026. At the Monday proceeding, prosecution counsel, O.S Ujam, informed the court that the prosecution team was ready to proceed with the trials and to present three witnesses in court. On his part, the defence counsel, T.O. Ochayi, however, informed the court that he was unprepared for the commencement of the trial, having been briefed on the matter just a day before and taking over as counsel, only today. “We are not ready, my lord. I am sorry my lord. I just came into this matter today, I was not the counsel before now. I am not ready for trial. I was briefed yesterday, I would like this matter to proceed only if I have the motion for bail.” The prosecution counsel, in his reaction, informed the court that the prosecution team was getting to hear such a response from the defence for the first time, frowning at the fact that the prosecution was not given any prior notice for the change in counsel. He further informed the court that the three prosecution witnesses present in court were elderly and have been in court since morning. “We are just hearing this, this morning. No notice was given to us. I am not opposed to the adjournment, however, we urge the court to slate the matter for definite hearing. We have three witnesses that came from afar and elderly. They have been in court since morning,” he said. Justice Akpan, thereafter, adjourned the matter till June 22, and July 1 and 2, 2026 for definite hearing. Investigation by the EFCC revealed that the first and second defendants induced unsuspecting members of the public into paying money into Oghelemu’s account or that of Onome Global Market Resources Limited on the false pretence that it was for procurement and exportation of “bitter kola nuts” and “red kola nuts” to Hong Kong, China and Indonesia after which they would be paid a huge Return on Investment, RoI. It turned out that the investors neither got RoI, nor their investment sums back. Court Sets June 22 for Hearing on Couple’s Alleged N740m Investment Fraud ******************************************************* 23 APR 2026 Court Jails Fraudster 37 years for N29m Procurement Fraud in Damaturu Justice Lawu Lawan of the Yobe State High Court, Damaturu on Thursday 23, April 2026 convicted and sentenced one Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar to 37 years imprisonment. The defendant was arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a four- count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, forgery and used forged documents as genuine to the tune of N29,175,000. (Twenty Nine Million, One Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Naira). Count one reads: "That you, Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar, sometimes in 2023, at Potiskum, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud did obtain the gross sum of N29,175,000 (Twenty Nine Million, One Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Naira) from one Ibrahim Zakari Waziri, Shittu Ali Firi and Afreebak Nigeria Limited a company registered in Nigeria under the pretence that the said amount represent payment for the supply of 38.9 metric tons of white sorghum when you represented yourself as a Procurement Officer of Bua Food Plc which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act,2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act." Count three reads: " That you, Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar, sometimes in 2023, at Potiskum, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did fraudulently make a false documents to wit: (1) a BUA Food Plc supply agreement dated 10th December, 2024, in the name of Afreebak Nigeria Limited, Potiskum, Yobe State purportedly issued by BUA Food Plc for the supply of 38.9 metric tons of white Sorghum (2) as official statement purported to emanate from BUA Food Plc dated 7th October, 2014 (3) and acknowledgement of receipt of 38.9 metric tons of white sorghum purported to emanate from BUA Food Plc knowing all to be forged and handed same to Ibrahim Zakari Waziri, Shittu Ali Firi and Afreebak Nigeria Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 364 and punishable under Section 366 of the Penal Code Law Cap 102 Laws of Yobe State." The defendant pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him by the court, prompting the EFCC to put him to trial. In the course of trial, prosecution counsel Mukhtar Ali Ahmed presented five witnesses and tendered several documents as exhibits before the court. Justice Lawan thereafter, convicted and sentenced Abubakar on count one with an option of fine to the tune of N100,000.00 or serve ten years imprisonment. While on count two the convict is to pay a fine of N5,000 or serve two years imprisonment. On count three, the convict is to pay a fine of N100,000 or serve eight years imprisonment while on count four the judge ordered him to pay a fine of N60,000 or serve seven years jail term. The judge further ordered the convict to pay the sum of N29,175,000 to the petitioner or serve additional ten years imprisonment. The convict’s journey to the prison started when he approached the petitioners and introduced himself as a procurement officer of BUA Foods Plc and issued fake receipts to them for the purchase of sorghum from the company. He collected the sum of N29,175,000 from his victims. He was thereafter arrested, prosecuted and convicted. The press release includes a photo: Court Jails Fraudster 37 years for N29m Procurement Fraud in Damaturu ********************************************************** 21 APR 2026 Court Jails Man Five Years for Recruiting Boys into Yahoo School The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday April 20, 2026 secured the conviction and sentence of Goodluck Ejimiyare before Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City. The convict was arraigned on March 30, 2026 on an amended one -count charge bordering on conspiracy with one Ebuka Henry Eze( now at large) to commit internet fraud. Ejimiyare was said to be responsible for recruiting young boys for the operators of Hustling Kingdom (aka Yahoo school). The charge reads: That you Goodluck Ejimiyare sometime in 2025, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire with one Ebuka Henry Eze (at large) to commit an offence to wit computer related fraud and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under Section 22(2) (iv) of the same Act. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, Elodi Immaculate to pray the court to sentence and convict the defendant accordingly,. However, the trial judge adjourned to April 20 for the sentencing. On Monday April 20, the judge convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years imprisonment or a fine of N1million. The convict is also to forfeit his phone and undertake in writing to be of good behaviour. Ejimiyare’s road to prison began when officers of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade Headquarters handed over 17 boys arrested at a yahoo school to the EFCC. Upon interrogation, many of the boys confessed that they were recruited by Ejimayare into the Hustling Kingdom school. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-five-years-for-recruiting-boys-into-yahoo-school ********************************************* 3 APR 2026 Here is an article by Ken Westbrook, which was published in the intelligence community oriented website The Cipher Brief. Ken Westbrook is the Founder and CEO of Stop Scams Alliance and a distinguished fellow at the Wilson Center. A 33-year veteran of the US Intelligence Community, he served at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He subsequently held senior positions with two Fortune 500 software firms, co-invented a patented security technology, and created and taught a course in Information Management at Georgetown University. The article includes much that is relevant to countering 419 and other transnational crime, however it is too long to be posted here, so here is a link to the article for as long as it is good: New Presidential Executive Order Targets Transnational Cybercrime new-presidential-executive-order-targets-transnational-cybercrime ***************************************************** 2 APR 2026 EFCC Arrests Tiktoker for False Information about Commission Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested Udoma David Ekeh, a Tiktok user, for spreading false information about the Commission and its officers. Udeh, in December 2025, alerted the public that some operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Commission were kidnapped by bandits while on an assignment in a location in Kwara State. He also insinuated that the bandits demanded huge ransom from the EFCC before releasing the purported officers. All his claims are fabricated, together with the use of his Tiktok account to incite and misinform the public about the Commission’s relentless efforts in tackling the menace of internet fraud. Preliminary investigations showed that the suspect is involved in romance scam by using his Facebook account to impersonate a foreigner with the name Garg Carta He will be charged to court soon. The press release includes a photo: efcc-arrests-tiktoker-for-false-information-about-commission ********************************************************* 26 MAR 2026 EFCC Operation Not Responsible for Kwara Poly Protest Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, carried out a sting operation within two buildings flagged for suspected internet-related fraud at Agbede Community in Ilorin, Kwara state. The operation, carried out on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, yielded the arrest of 30 suspected internet fraudsters, six of whom are students of Kwara State Polytechnic. The profiling of the students showed that all the six students are actively involved in internet fraud. Eight vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime were recovered from the suspects, alongside mobile phones and laptops. The sting operation was not remotely connected to the Polytechnic. No entrance was made into the premises of the Institution and there was no disruption of any activity of the school. It is untenable to link any protest by some students of the Polytechnic to the lawful operation of the EFCC. Any video in circulation linking students’ protest with the operation of the Commission is contrived and outright misrepresentation of the operation. The EFCC, for the umpteenth time, assures the public of the professionalism and integrity of its operations. All the channels of reporting unethical conduct of staff of the Commission remain open. The Commission will continue to work in the overall interests of Nigerians. efcc-operation-not-responsible-for-kwara-poly-protest ************************************************* 25 MAR 2026 Edo Court Jails Man for $19,400 Bitcoin Fraud The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentence of Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo for fraud. The convict was arraigned on one -count charge of stealing before Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, setting the stage for trial. The charge reads: That you Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo (m) sometime in March 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did steal Bitcoin worth the sum of $19,400 (Nineteen thousand, four Hundred United States Dollars) belonging to one Cynthia Imade Alile by fraudulently converting the said sum to your own use, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Edo State Law 2022 and punishable under Section 294 of the same Law. In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, A. S. Bala-Ribah called two witnesses and also tendered documents which were admitted by the court. On his part, the defendant called two witnesses including himself. Delivering judgment on Monday, March 23, 2026 Justice Aziegbemhin found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced him to two years imprisonment without an option of fine. Ikilo’s road to jail began when he offered to assist the petitioner convert her 0.52092582 Bitcoin worth $19,400 but failed to remit the money to the petitioner as he converted same to his personal use. The press release contains a photo: edo-court-jails-man-for-19400-bitcoin-fraud ******************************************* 17 MAR 2026 Court Jails Three for Fraud in Kaduna Justice A. Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and jailed the trio of Aliyu Hassan, Samuel Olamide and Solomon Joseph Christian for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. The charge against Hassan reads: "That you, Aliyu Hassan (a.k.a Ottaviani Loverules Giovanni) on or about the 9th of February, 2026 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, impersonated one Ottaviani Loverules Giovanni (a citizen of Brazil) via Facebook platform and in such assumed character, you defrauded one Kerry the sum of N90,000.00 (Ninety Thousand Naira, only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under the same law.” Olamide’s charge reads: "That you, Samuel Olamide (a.k.a Johnny) on or about the 9th of February, 2026 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, impersonated one Johnny (a United States of America) citizen via TikTok platform and in such assumed character, you defrauded one Jackie Sanders (an American ) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under the same law.” Christian’s charge reads: "That you, Solomon Joseph Christian.(a.k.a Jenort) sometime in February, 2026 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, impersonated one Jenort via Facebook (a social media platform) and in that assumed character benefited the sum of $USD150 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under the same law.” They all pleaded "guilty," following which the prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced them to five years imprisonment each or to pay N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition to the sentence, Hassan forfeited N90,000.00 (Ninety Thousand Naira) and a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 mobile phone with IMEI No SM-N9500, being the proceeds of his crime. Olamide forfeited a Samsung Galaxy S21 mobile phone with IMEI No 35198153052814, being the tool of his crime and Christian forfeited iPhone 14 Pro with IMEI NO 35771267218661 and the sum of $150 (One Hundred and Fifty Dollars) being the proceeds of his crime. All the forfeitures were to the federal government. The convicts were arrested in Agwa, Kudende area of Kaduna following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-three-for-fraud-in-kaduna *************************************** 17 MAR 2026 Choose Digital Skills over Fraud - Olukoyede Charges Students in Enugu The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has urged students in Enugu State to shun internet fraud, focus on their studies and acquire digital skills that will secure their future. He gave this charge recently at the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT and New Heaven Community Secondary School in Enugu State during an engagement with the students as part of the Commission’s prevention mandate. Speaking at the IMT Enugu, the Executive Chairman, who was represented by Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Paul Ikpor, Head, Public Affairs Department, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, warned the students that involvement in internet fraud and other cyber-related fraud may appear attractive in the short term but ultimately leads to destruction of careers, reputations and personal freedom. “Cybercrime is a criminal offence that attracts severe legal consequences. Many young people who engage in internet fraud often end up facing arrest, prosecution and possible imprisonment, thereby truncating their dreams and bringing hardship to their families”, he said. While enjoining the undergraduates to learn digital skills, Olukoyede said that hard work and skill acquisition remain the surest path to lasting success, urging students to resist peer pressure and the temptation of quick illegal wealth. “Concentrate on your education and develop productive skills that can help you build legitimate careers in the rapidly growing technology sector. You can explore opportunities in areas like software development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, graphic design and other information technology fields that are in high demand globally”, he said. At New Heaven Community Secondary School, the EFCC boss hammered on building a culture of integrity. He also urged the pupils to remain focused on their studies, embrace innovation and utilize technology as a tool for development rather than criminality. “Integrity remains one of the most important values for young people who aspire to lead in the future. Building a culture of honesty and accountability at an early stage in life will help you develop into responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to national development”, he said. While describing criminal activities especially internet fraud as “the faster form of self-destruction”, he reminded the pupils that they represent the next generation of leaders and must therefore begin early to cultivate values of integrity, responsibility and respect for the law. “We are therefore calling on you to become ambassadors of integrity within your schools and your communities by rejecting internet fraud and embracing hard work, discipline and lawful means of success”, he said. The press release contains photos: choose-digital-skills-over-fraud-olukoyede-charges-students-in-enugu **************************************************** 16 MAR 2026 Alleged $75,000 Fraud: EFCC Witness Tells Court How Businessman Defrauded Oil Firm An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Felicia Paul, on Monday, March 16, 2026, narrated before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, how a businessman, Peter Otomewu, allegedly defrauded a petroleum services company, Virgin Forest Energy Limited, of $75,000. The witness told the court that the defendant obtained the money under false pretences by claiming he had a vessel, “MT AYSU,” capable of transhipping petroleum products from a mother vessel. The EFCC had earlier arraigned Otomewu and his company, Pebeto Enerji Limited, before Justice Dada on June 24, 2025, on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing. Prosecuting counsel, Owede Spiff, told the court that Otomewu and his firm allegedly committed the offences in 2018, adding that the representations made to the petitioner were false and that the money was never used for the stated purpose. According to the prosecution, the defendants dishonestly converted the entire $75,000, property of Virgin Forest Energy Limited, for their own personal use. The alleged offences contravene Sections 278, 278(1), and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, as well as Section 1(1)(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. However, both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Paul told the court that the first defendant presented himself to the petitioner as the owner of a vessel named MT AYSU, which he claimed could tranship petroleum products from another mother vessel. She explained that based on the representation, the petitioner paid the defendant $75,000 in two instalments to facilitate the movement of petroleum products. According to her, the agreed total sum for the project was $100,000, but the petitioner initially paid $50,000 in cash and later paid an additional $25,000. “The defendant issued receipts for these payments but failed to complete the work,” she told the court. Paul further stated that when the petitioner demanded a refund, the defendant repaid $25,000, leaving an outstanding balance of $50,000. She added that during the course of investigation, it was discovered that the defendant’s company is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) but not with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the regulatory body for the sector. The witness also told the court that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) confirmed that the vessel MT AYSU is not registered in Nigeria and is not authorised to operate in Nigerian waters. She further disclosed that additional inquiries revealed that a different vessel with a similar name is registered under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Following the testimony, Justice Dada adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for the continuation of trial. alleged-75000-fraud-efcc-witness-tells-court-how-businessman-defrauded-oil-firm ************************************************** 13 MAR 2026 EFCC Hands Over $225,895, ?62.79m Recovered Funds to Foreign Victims The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 13, 2026, handed over a total sum of $225,895 (Two Hundred and Twenty-Five, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Five United States Dollars) and ?62,790,000 (Sixty-Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira) to foreign victims of fraud from the United States of America and South Africa. The handover ceremony, which was presided over by the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, featured representatives of the victims’ nations, including the Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Mike Fukuda, and the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lindi Mminele Commenting on the handover, Hammajoda noted that corruption remained a global menace that required collective efforts to combat. “Corruption is like a cancer that eats into every fabric of our lives. It is cross- border in nature; therefore, we must join hands collectively to defeat it. Corruption has no borders, and if we do not fight it together, it will consume us all,” he said. He added that the EFCC remained committed to ensuring that recovered proceeds of crime are returned to their rightful owners. “From our end at the EFCC, we are doing our best. Whatever we recover, we return to the victims, whether individuals, corporate organisations, governments or international victims. We also expect the same gesture from our sister agencies and collaborators across the world,” he said. Speaking further on collaboration, restitution and asset recovery, Hammajoda urged international partners of the Commission in the United States, Europe, Asia, South Africa and other parts of the world to respond promptly to requests for cooperation. “Whatever is due to Nigeria, we expect to receive it just as we make recoveries available to you. Whether you are in America, Europe, Asia or Africa, we expect the same cooperation,” he said. During the ceremony, Fukuda received $7,440 on behalf of American victims of fraud: Drago Boskovic, $15,000, Anh Ngoc Nguyen and three others, Holly Ngo: $175,895 and ?62,790,000. Similarly, the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa, Lindi Mminele, alongside the victim’s lawyer, Elisha Sunday, received $50,000 on behalf of Ennis-Flint Africa Limited, a South African company. Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mminele expressed appreciation to the EFCC for its efforts in recovering and restituting victims. “I would like to express my gratitude for the good work the EFCC has been doing. South Africa has witnessed that what the Commission is doing is real, as the victim company has experienced and seen the results of the work done,” she said. She added that the South African High Commission values its longstanding relationship with the EFCC and looks forward to continued cooperation. Also speaking, the lawyer to the South African victim company, Elisha Sunday, commended the Commission for its relentless efforts in combating economic and financial crimes. “The best thing that ever happened to this country is the EFCC, because of the good work it is doing. I say this not because I am here, but because I have seen the dedication of the staff of the Commission. Their efforts are helping to restore confidence that people can still do business with Nigerians,” he said. He also praised the Commission’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in the global financial system. On his part, Fukuda commended the EFCC for its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of fraud. “I have seen the effort the EFCC has made in securing restitution for victims, and it is inspiring to me and my organisation. I want to reaffirm our readiness to continue working with you. Your organisation is truly a world-class agency, and we are honoured to collaborate with you,” he said on behalf of the FBI and the United States Department of Justice. The press release contains photos: efcc-hands-over-225895-6279m-recovered-funds-to-foreign-victims 419 Coalition note: This is the type of press release that we Love to post. Kudos to the EFCC in seeing to it these recovered funds were returned to the victims of 419 criminals. ************************************************************ 12 MAR 2026 EFCC Arrests Woman for Alleged N19m, €8,370 Fraud in Enugu Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested one Mbah Chidinma Sophina for an alleged case of criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N19, 000, 000. 00 (Nineteen Million Naira) and €8,370 (Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy Euros), under the pretext of procuring a Certificate of Sponsorship, CoS for his victim. Sophina, 33, was arrested following claims of a petitioner that sometime in 2024, he informed the suspect whom he met on Tik-Tok, of his intention to relocate to the United Kingdom through a CoS in order to work as a care giver. The suspect, who claimed to be an Assistant Psychologist at Priory Health Unit in Glasgow, Scotland also claimed that she had contacts who could secure a CoS at the cost of €12, 000 to €13,000. “She instructed that payments be made partly in Nigerian Naira and partly in Euros. She provided her bank details for Naira payments and the foreign accounts of her associates for Euro payments, claiming she does not use her personal foreign accounts for business transactions”, the petitioner said. He said he paid the sum of N19, 000, 000. 00 (Nineteen Million Naira) in eight tranches between August 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024 while the Euro payments were made in four tranches between August 12, 2024 and November 21, 2024. The said payments were made for processing his Certificate of Sponsorship. However, after acknowledging receipt of payments, the suspect failed to deliver the document as promised as the petitioner waited for months. He thereafter requested for a refund only for the suspect to send a fake transfer notification before blocking him on social media. In the course of investigation, the suspect claimed that the money was handed over to another individual but has been nonchalant in assisting the investigators in reaching the person. The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release includes a hardly-viewable photo: efcc-arrests-woman-for-alleged-n19m-8370-fraud-in-enugu ******************************************** 11 MAR 2026 Kaduna Court Jails Two for Impersonation The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of Musa Abdulmalik and Sunday Godwin before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna for cheating by impersonation. They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges of cheating by impersonation. The charge against Abdulmalik reads: "That you, Musa Abdulmalik (a.k.a Lynn Ben), sometime in January, 2026 at Kaduna, Kaduna State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, committed cheating by impersonation when you falsely presented yourself as Lynn Ben, a female and adult entertainer via Telegram (an online social media application) in that assumed character cheated one BJK of the total sum of $80USD (Eighty United States American Dollars) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Law, 2017 of Kaduna State and Punishable under Section 309 of the same Law." That of Godwin reads: "That you, Sunday Godwin (a.k.a Chrismitchellprivateacc3) sometime in 2025 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, cheated several unsuspecting victims of the sum total of $400.00 (Four Hundred Australian dollars, only) when you pretended to be one Chrismitchellprivateacc3 on Tiktok (a social media application), and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Law, 2017 of Kaduna State and Punishable under Section 309 of the same Law." They both pleaded "guilty," following which the prosecution counsel, M.E. Eimonye asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Amina convicted and sentenced Abdulmalik to five years imprisonment or to pay N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited a Samsung Galaxy S23 ultra mobile phone with IMEI 353568560090176 and 354619360090178, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $800 (Eighty US Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime to the federal government. She convicted and sentenced Godwin to four years imprisonment or to pay N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of $400 Australian Dollars (Four Hundred Australian Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime and an iPhone 13 mobile phone with IMEI 3515486000720, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. The press release contains photos: kaduna-court-jails-two-for-impersonation ****************************************** 10 MAR 2026 Alleged $1.043m Fraud: Court Adjourns Fred Ajudua’s Case Indefinitely Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, March 9, 2026, adjourned indefinitely (sine die) the trial of Fred Ajudua over an alleged $1,043,000 fraud. Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a Palestinian, Zad Abu Zalaf, of the sum of $1,043,000 (One Million, Forty-Three Thousand U.S. Dollars) under false pretences. The case, which began in 2005 before Justice M.O. Obadina of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, encountered several delays due to legal technicalities employed by the defendant that stalled the proceedings and complicated his arraignment. The matter was subsequently reassigned to Justice J.E. Oyefeso and later to Justice M.A. Dada, before whom Ajudua was finally arraigned on June 4, 2018. Following the denial of his bail by Justice Dada, Ajudua appealed to the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, which granted him bail on September 10, 2018. Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s ruling, the EFCC appealed to the Supreme Court. The Commission also filed a separate appeal with suit number SC/912C/2018 challenging the appellate court’s decision to transfer the case from Justice Dada to another judge to commence afresh (de novo). Both issues were resolved in favour of the appellant (prosecution) by the apex court, which remitted the case to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to be assigned to Justice Dada for the continuation of a speedy trial and its determination within the shortest possible time. At the proceedings on Monday, the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion on notice before the court. “This matter was earlier adjourned for the continuation of trial. “However, there is a supervening factor, which is the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on January 30, 2026, allowing the appeal against the ruling of the Lagos State High Court refusing the defendant bail,” he said. Ojo further told the court that a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment had been forwarded to the court and attached to the motion on notice filed by the defence on March 5, 2026. According to him, the Court of Appeal granted bail to the defendant and also ordered that the substantive suit be remitted to another court to commence de novo. The senior counsel to the defendant submitted that he was relying on the case of Ajudua v. FRN (2019) where the Court of Appeal gave a similar interpretation on the transfer of the case to start de novo. He also informed the court that the complainant in the matter had appealed against the decision at the Court of Appeal. “Until that judgment is set aside, the court must act on it. We have written a letter to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to reassign the case to another judge of the High Court of Lagos State,” he said. Ojo argued that the present court no longer had the jurisdiction to continue with the case and could only direct that the case file be sent to the Chief Judge of Lagos State for reassignment. Ojo (SAN) also informed the court that he was not relying on the motion filed on March 5, 2026 but on the Judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on January 30, 2026. In response, the prosecuting counsel, S. K. Atteh, told the court that he received the application late on Friday. He added that although the Court of Appeal granted bail to the defendant, the judgment contained no order directing that the case be transferred to another court. Atteh also informed the Court that counsel to the defendant had filed a motion at the Court of Appeal praying the Court to clarify or interpret the judgment on the issue of the transfer of the case to another judge of the High Court of Lagos State for the trial to start de novo, contrary to the earlier decision of the Supreme Court on the issue. He urged the Court to strike out the motion if the counsel to the defendant is not relying on the application, which was still pending in the court file. After listening to the submissions of both parties, Justice Dada struck out the motion on notice and adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely). Meanwhile, Ojo SAN, Counsel to Fred Ajudua has also filed another motion at the Supreme Court on February 24, 2026 , praying the apex court to set aside its earlier judgment delivered on May 9, 2025. The press release includes a file photo of "Fast Freddie" Ajudua: alleged-1043m-fraud-court-adjourns-fred-ajuduas-case-indefinitely 419 Coalition note: Of course, Ole Fast Freddie can afford, drawing on his stolen 419ed many multiple millions of dollars, the best of legal teams who are expert in the classic tsctics of delay, appeal, delay, sppesl, and delay some more... *********************************************** 10 MAR 2026 Make Integrity Your Foundation, Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged students across the country to make integrity their foundation, stressing that with such a foundation, future prospects of success will come handy. He gave the charge in Abuja on Monday, March 9, 2026, while addressing students of J.K. People’s Comprehensive Academy Mararaba, Nasarawa State that came on a study tour of EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters. Olukoyede, who spoke through EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity and Spokesperson of the Commission, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Dele Oyewale noted that students that embraced integrity, accountable conduct and transparency will turn out to be leaders in their generation. “Your foundation is important. No superstructure can stand on a foundation of corruption. At this stage of your education, you have every opportunity to choose integrity. You cannot be wrong with integrity and you cannot be right with corruption”, he said. The EFCC boss further encouraged the students to aim high, broaden their vision and aspirations and dominate their environment for good. On her part, the Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, pointed out that prevention, investigation and prosecution are EFCC's three-pronged approach to fighting corruption, economic and financial crimes. She highlighted television and radio sensitisation programmes and the establishment of Integrity and Zero Tolerance clubs in schools across the country and sustained collaboration with critical stakeholders as part of the Commission’s preventive efforts. She charged the students to always thread the path of ethical behaviour as leaders of tomorrow. “You are the future of this country. If you get it right, Nigeria will get it right. Be content. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into living beyond your means,” she said. In a presentation on cybersecurity, Inspector of the EFCC, Kayode Eniola, educated the students on the nature and consequences of cybercrimes, describing cybercrimes as criminal activities perpetrated through digital communication tools and internet-enabled platforms. She identified phishing, hacking and online romance scams as common forms of cybercrime, adding that victims of cybercrimes often suffer financial losses, privacy breaches and reputational damage. She further advised the students to adopt preventive measures against cybercrimes, such as using strong passwords, updating their software regularly, avoiding suspicious links and logging out of shared devices after use. n his remarks, Okoro Chijioke, a teacher in the school, expressed gratitude to the EFCC and the students for an insightful event, describing it as “an unforgettable experience and one of the best so far.” The event featured a question and answer session as well as a quiz competition in which the children’s understanding of the lecture was assessed. Two students, who emerged winners, were presented with gifts and souvenirs. The press release contains several photos, among them a couple which include DFC Dele Oyewale, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Head of Media and Publicity, Spokesman of the EFCC: embrace-anti-corruption-crusade-olukoyede-charges-youths ********************************************** 3 MAR 2026 Shun Fraudulent Practices, Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged students across the country to shun fraudulent practices and serve as good ambassadors of their families, schools and communities. He gave the charge on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 when the management and students of ACAD System International School, Jikwoyi, Abuja, came on study tour of the Commission’s Academy, in Karu, Abuja. Olukoyede, who spoke through Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE1 Chidimma Amanambu, urged the students to be of good behaviour at all times, reminding them that integrity developed at a young age helps strengthen the foundation of a corruption-free society. He noted that the visit aligned with the Commission’s commitment to preventive education and youth engagement, being strategic tools of the anti-graft agency in combating corruption, economic and financial crimes. The EFCC, he said, remained committed not only to enforcement but also to proactive engagement with young Nigerians. While noting that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, he encouraged them “to make responsible choices, shun fraudulent practices and serve as ambassadors of honesty” for their families, schools and communities. Deputy Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE 1 Aliyu Yunisa, in his insightful presentation on the statutory functions of the Commission, enumerated the EFCC’s mandate to include investigation, prevention and prosecution of economic and financial crimes, as well as forging collaboration with local and international partners in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes. Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Angel O. Israel, while educating the students on the consequences of committing economic and financial crimes, charged them to imbibe the morals of integrity, accountability and patriotism. He stressed that national development can only thrive where citizens are committed to ethical conduct and responsible leadership. He urged the students to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a better Nigeria. The event featured an interactive session, guided tours of selected facilities of the Academy and a question and answer segment where the students demonstrated keen interest in the Commission’s operations. The press release contains photos: shun-fraudulent-practices-olukoyede-charges-students ****************************************** 27 FEB 2026 Alleged $1.043m Fraud: EFCC Seeks Supreme Court’s Order to Revoke Ajudua’s Bail The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria seeking an order to revoke the bail granted to Lagos socialite, Fred Chijindu Ajudua, by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Lagos. In a notice of appeal dated February 20, 2026 and filed at the apex court in Abuja, the anti-graft agency is challenging the entire ruling of the appellate court delivered on January 30, 2026, which admitted Ajudua to bail. The Commission, through its counsel S.K. Atteh argues that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it dismissed the prosecution’s preliminary objection and proceeded to grant bail to the defendant. According to the EFCC, the appellate court failed to properly interpret the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on May 9, 2025 in related appeals involving Ajudua. The Commission argued that the apex court had effectively foreclosed further consideration of bail when it ordered that the respondent remain in custody pending the speedy trial of the charge. The EFCC particularly faulted the Court of Appeal for allegedly holding that the Supreme Court did not order Ajudua’s continued detention, describing the lower court’s position as contrary to the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and the finality of Supreme Court’s decisions. Central to the dispute is the interpretation of portions of the Supreme Court judgment where the apex court discussed the relationship between jurisdiction and bail. The EFCC maintained that the Court of Appeal failed to address passages in the apex court’s decision which, in its view, meant that the issue of bail had been conclusively determined and could not be revisited by any lower court. It further argued that by granting fresh bail, the appellate court violated Sections 235 and 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which make decisions of the Supreme Court final and binding on lower courts. Medical Grounds for Bail Challenged The anti-graft agency also attacked the appellate court’s reliance on Ajudua’s medical report dated November 19, 2025 as constituting changed circumstances warranting bail. The EFCC claimed the respondent had been diagnosed with kidney-related ailments since 1987 and had repeatedly relied on the condition to delay trial since the charge was filed in 2005. It further alleged inconsistencies in medical reports issued by the same consultant, arguing that the Court of Appeal failed to properly evaluate the evidence before admitting the defendant to bail. The Commission warned that allowing Ajudua to remain on bail would frustrate the Supreme Court’s directive for speedy trial. It cited an earlier case in which, despite being on bail, only one prosecution witness had been called over an extended period. In specific terms, the EFCC is praying the apex court revoke the bail granted to Ajudua by the Court of Appeal on January 30, 2026; and restore the trial court’s ruling of November 20, 2025 which refused bail. No hearing date has yet been announced at the Supreme Court. Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf the sum of $1.043million. alleged-1043m-fraud-efcc-seeks-supreme-courts-order-to-revoke-ajuduas-bail 419 Coalition note: Ole Fast Freddie is one of the biggest OG 419ers in the business. Got to give a reluctant tip of the hat to the enemy across the lines of war, as Churchill did for Rommel back in WWII. However, in terms of being held to account for his crimes, ole Fast Freddie has more lives than a really lucky cat.... Yes, Fast Freddie is indeed among the Best of the Worst.... there is no way he should Ever get bail on this or any other 419 related charge. ********************************************** 26 FEB 2026 From the DOJ US Attorneys Office, Southern District of Texas: Nigerian citizen who attempted to unlawfully obtain U.S. residency through fraudulent marriages sentenced in $4 million conspiracy HOUSTON- A 40-year-old man who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a romance scam and business email compromise scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Leslie Chinedu Mba pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit false statements in immigration documents Dec. 4, 2025. U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Mba to serve 228 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard that victims were defrauded of over $4 million. “Romance scams are among the lowest and most despicable forms of fraud because they prey upon the lonely and vulnerable, and disproportionately victimize senior citizens,” said Ganjei. “These online scams Mba and his friends perpetrated jeopardized the livelihood of family-run businesses, the ability of elderly individuals to retire, and exploited the trust that fuels our economy. Even worse, Mba and his confederates committed these crimes while attempting to remain in our country under false pretenses by deceiving immigration authorities. Now, Mba has prison to look forward to, followed by a one-way ticket back to Nigeria.” “Out of all the frauds perpetrated by Leslie Mba and his co-conspirators, their weaponization of romance scams to deliberately target vulnerable and elderly Americans is most disturbing,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. “Romance scams cruelly manipulate trust, callously exploit the fear of loneliness, and leave victims both financially devastated and emotionally shattered. The FBI will continue to combat fraudsters whose schemes leave a wake of misery behind.” From April 2018 to December 2023, Mba and others inside and outside of the United States carried out business email compromise and romance scams targeting unsuspecting victims. The schemes began overseas, where co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to business email accounts and redirected payments to fraudulent bank accounts. Victims believed they were sending money to legitimate businesses, but Mba and others instead funneled the funds to accounts they controlled. Mba and others acted as money mules, opening or using existing bank accounts to collect and move proceeds from the fraud. Additionally, Mba tried to obtain U.S. permanent residency through multiple fraudulent marriages after his initial application was denied and he was ordered to be removed from the country. The scheme resulted in a total loss of $4 million. Four others had also previously pleaded guilty Grace Morisho, 30, Rodgers Kadikilo, 30, Kristin Smith, 38, and Alexandra Golovko, 36, all of Houston. Morisho, Kadikilo and Smith received sentences ranging between 15 to 25 months while Golovko received five years probation. Mba will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum prosecuted the case. Updated March 2, 2026 nigerian-citizen-who-attempted-unlawfully-obtain-us-residency-through-fraudulent ******************************************************** 18 FEB 2026 EFCC Arraigns Two for N143million Fraud in Benin-City The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday February 17, 2026, arraigned two suspected fraudsters, Kelvin Usiholo and Osaigbovo Aikoriogie before Justice B. O. Quadri of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City. The duo and others now at large were arraigned on a three -count charge of obtaining the sum of N143 million under false pretence. Kelvin Usiholo, acting as a lawful attorney for Eghosa Aikorogie had through a firm of legal practitioners petitioned the Commission alleging that Osaigbovo Aikorogie defrauded Eghosa Aikorogie of large sums of money in a business transaction. However, during investigation by the Commission, it was discovered that the source of the fund was fraudulent and that both the complainant and the suspect were part of a syndicate who specialise in defrauding innocent people including foreigners of their hard earned money. Upon conclusion of investigations, both were arraigned on a three count charge of money laundering and obtaining by false pretence. Count one of the charges reads: “That you KELVIN USIHOLO, OSAIGBOVO AIKORIOGIE, EGHOSA AIKOROGHIE (AT LARGE), JUNIOR IGBINOVIA (AT LARGE), BOBBY OSARETIN (AT LARGE) AND OTHERS (AT LARGE) sometime in 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did conspire among yourselves to commit an offence to wit Money Laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under section 18(3) of the same Act.” Count two reads: “That you KELVIN USIHOLO, OSAGBOVO AIKORIOGIE AND OTHERS (AT LARGE) sometime between April and May 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did indirectly take possession or control of the aggregate sum of N143,000,000: 00 (One Hundred and Forty-three Million Naira) transferred into Account No: 3088191477 domiciled in First Bank Plc operated by you which funds you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful acts and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.” The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them prompting the prosecution counsel, Immaculate Elodi to pray the court to fix a date for trial. Justice Quadri adjourned the matter to February 27 for hearing of the bail application. The press release contains photos: efcc-arraigns-two-for-n143million-fraud-in-benin-city ************************************************ 17 FEB 2026 Olukoyede Charges Students to Shun Cybercrimes, Social Vices, Emphasizes Digital Integrity The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to shun internet fraud and embrace digital integrity and cultural reorientation. He gave the charge on Wednesday, February 17, 2026, at a conference themed “Cybercrimes, Drugs and other Social Vices” at the main campus, University of Abuja. Speaking through the Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Muhammad, the Chairman urged students to stay away from cybercrime and leverage their talents for positive impact through entrepreneurship, drama, music, innovation and other engagements “I implore you to use your creative talents like fashion design, music, and art to impact the society”, he said. He stressed that the EFCC was passionate about guiding youths using programs like Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in secondary and tertiary institutions to promote anti-corruption efforts. “Be ambassadors of Nigeria, represent your families and country with integrity, and shun cybercrime, drug abuse, and cultism”, he said. Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Awwal Ibrahim Rafsanjani, who delivered a keynote address at the National Student Leadership Conference, emphasised the link between integrity and national development. He highlighted corruption as a major challenge impeding Nigeria's progress, fueling social vices like cybercrime, drug abuse, and cultism. The organizer of the festival, Tayo Folorunsho, emphasized the importance of youth- centered initiatives, noting that such events are essential in moulding responsible citizens and fostering safer financial space. The festival provided a platform for students across the Federal Capital Territory, to be tutored on the virtues of integrity, discipline and civic responsibilities aimed at building a better society and safer financial space. Activities like singing and dancing were featured in the Conference The press release contains photos: olukoyede-charges-students-to-shun-cybercrimes-social-vices-emphasizes-digital-integrity ************************************************** 17 FEB 2026 EFCC Arrests Two for Alleged N35.3m Investment Fraud in Enugu Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested the duo of Samuel Inalegwu Okpala and Ezelibe Emmanuel Nzube for allegedly conspiring with one Chibuike VincentDePaul Izundu (at large), to defraud thirty-two (32) victims the sum of N35, 395. 000 (Thirty -five Million, Three hundred and Ninety-five Thousand Naira) through fake investment. They were arrested based on the claims of petitioners that alleged that they were lured into investing the said sum by representatives of Paybeta Digital Limited, a company linked to Izundu, the primary suspect. According to the petitioners, the representatives of the company claimed they were dealers in recharge cards, electricity, DSTV and GOTV subscriptions. The petitioners said that they were convinced to invest in the said company, after which they would be offered 15% to 80% return on investment, depending on the duration of their investments. “Immediately they collected the money, they ran away and all efforts made to recover our money have proved abortive”, the petitioners alleged. Preliminary investigations revealed that Izundu connived with Okpala to defraud the petitioners, using Okpala’s account (RFB Global Resources Nigeria Limited). Upon the arrest of Okpala, a bank’s token was found in his possession meant to be delivered to Nzube as directed by Izundu, the principal suspect at large. Further investigations revealed incriminating messages in Okpala and Nzube’s mobile phones, linking them to Izundu's fraudulent activities. It was also discovered that Nzube was equally into internet fraud, specializing in romance scams. The suspects will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a rather useless photo: efcc-arrests-two-for-alleged-n353m-investment-fraud-in-enugu ********************************************* 18 FEB 2026 Lagos Court Jails Man One Year for N37m Forex Fraud Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, February 16, 2023, convicted and sentenced one Henry Daniel to one year imprisonment for N37m foreign exchange fraud. The convict was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. Count one reads: “That you, Daniel Henry (trading under the name and style of Equigro Financial Services), sometime between January and October 2020, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N37,000,000 (Thirty Seven Million Naira) by false pretence from Mr. Eze Onyekachukwu by falsely representing to him that the said sum represents investment in forex trading business and committed the offence of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Sections 1(3) and 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006.” Count two reads: “That you, Daniel Henry, ( trading under the name and style of Equigro Financial Services), sometime between January and October 2020 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole by fraudulently converting to your own use the sum of Thirty Seven Million Naira (37,000,000.00), property of Mr. Eze Onyekachukwu and committed the offence of stealing contrary to Section 278(1) (a) and (b) and section 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.” The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge, thereby leading to his full trial. During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, presented three witnesses and tendered several documents, which were admitted in evidence by the court. Delivering judgment, Justice Fadipe found him guilty and sentenced him to one year imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira). The court also ordered him to undertake 50 hours of community service and make restitution of N15,600,000 to the petitioner. The convict’s road to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by operatives of the EFCC for obtaining the sum of N37,000,000 (Thirty Seven Million Naira) by false pretence from Mr. Eze Onyekachukwu in the guise of getting him into investment in forex. He neither invested the funds in forex nor returned the money to the petitioner. The press release contains a photo: lagos-court-jails-man-one-year-for-n37m-forex-frau ****************************************** 13 FEB 2026 Sokoto Court Jails Two Fraudsters for Money Doubling Justice Muhammad Saidu Sifawa of Sokoto State High Court has convicted and sentenced Labaran Aliyu and Abdulraham Lawal to two years imprisonment each for cheating. They were jailed on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 after pleading guilty to one -count separate charges of cheating. The charge against Aliyu reads " That you Labaran Aliyu, male, sometimes in 2025 within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Sokoto State with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N7,000,000.00 from unsuspecting victims under false pretense to wit: false representation of yourself as having power to double money and thereafter used the money to buy a Mercedes GLK with chassis number WDCGG8HB5AF315979, thereby committing an offence of cheating contrary to Section 310 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 311 the same law". The charge against Lawal reads "That you Abdulrahman Lawal, male sometimes in 2025 within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Sokoto State, with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N110,000.00 from unsuspecting victims to wit: false representation of yourself as having power to double money thereby committing an offence of cheating contrary to Section 310 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 311 the same law". The two defendants pleaded guilty to their charges, prompting prosecution counsel, Aliyu Bokani Usman to pray he court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Sifawa convicted and sentenced Aliyu to two years imprisonment with an option of ?100,000.00 ( One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. She also ordered the forfeiture of a Mercedes Benz GLK car acquired from the proceeds of crime to the victim. The judge also convicted and sentenced Lawal to two years imprisonment with an option of ?100,000.00( One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He forfeited a Samsung S10E phone, being a proceeds of crime to the government. The convicts bagged their imprisonment when the EFCC charged them to court relying on its intelligence showing that both convicts belong to the infamous "sai mallam" cult operating within the Sokoto environment and infamous for enticing and cajoling unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of being powerful marabouts capable of making people wealthy. They drew victims from Niger Republic, Cote d' Ivoire, Cameroon and Burkina Faso. The press release contains photos: sokoto-court-jails-two-fraudsters-for-money-doublin ****************************************** 11 FEB 2026 Court Jails Two Chinese 46 Years Each for N3.4bn, $2.5m Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, convicted and sentenced two Chinese: Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, to 46 years’ imprisonment each for cyber terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts, alongside one Friday Audu were among a syndicate of 792 fraudsters arrested for cryptocurrency, investment and romance fraud on December 19, 2024 in Lagos in a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by EFCC operatives. Investigations revealed that Friday allegedly incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. on the directive of Huang Haoyu to facilitate the fraudulent scheme. The defendants were found to have procured and employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as foreign nationals for the purpose of defrauding unsuspecting victims through online platforms. They were subsequently arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a seven- count charge bordering on cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and money laundering to the tune of N3,407,824,740.78 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira, Seventy Eight kobo), and $2,562,203 ( Two Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Three United States Dollars). One of the counts reads: “That you, Huang Haoyu, a.k.a Ken, Audu Friday, An Hongxu, Duliang Pan (at large) and Genting International Co. Ltd, sometime in 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired to willfully cause to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you, with intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and cronies, procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024) and punishable under Section 18 of the same Act”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, counsel to the first and third defendants, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that the defendants would like to change their pleas from “not guilty” to “guilty.” When the charges were re-read to them, both Haoyu and Hongxu pleaded “guilty” to the procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalitie charges filed against them, while Audu maintained his plea of “not guilty.” Following the guilty pleas of both Haoyu and Hongxu, who are directors in the company, the prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Bala- Buhari stated that the prosecution had earlier called two witnesses before the change of plea. She urged the court to impose the maximum punishment of life imprisonment on counts 1, 2 and 3, and 14 years’ imprisonment on counts 4 to 7. The prosecution also prayed the court to order the forfeiture of all items recovered during investigation from the four properties listed in the charge (Items 1–135) to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The items are: 1,596 mobile phones, 2,120 office chairs, 544 office tables, 194 routers, 43 computer systems, a network server, 126 air-conditioning units, several generators and vehicles, hundreds of mattresses and bunk beds, thousands of SIM cards across different networks, and numerous other electronic devices and household items recovered from premises at No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island; Plot 1220 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island; 54A A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island; and No. 14A Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi. Delivering judgment, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced the first and third defendants to a cumulative term of 46 years’ imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N56,000,000 (Fifty- Six Million Naira). The court also ordered that they undertake three days of community service and be repatriated after serving their sentences and completing the community service. The matter was adjourned till April 29, 2026 for the continuation of trial involving Audu Friday, who maintained his not guilty plea. The press release contains photos: court-jails-two-chinese-46-years-each-for-n34bn-25m-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition note: As we mentioned many times last year, the verbiage of the charge reading that the defendants "conspired to willfully cause to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria" is simply propaganda shifting the blame for this this massive 419 operation from Nigerian nationals on to Chinese foreigners. Firstly, someone, presumably Nigerian, had to sponsor these Chinese nationals for entry to and residence in Nigeria. Secondly, the great bulk of people 419ing who were involved in Operation Eagle Flush were Nigerian nationals - something like 500 Nigerian nationals were involved and only a couple of hundred mostly foreign nationals were arrested, not all of whom were Chinese. Thirdly, the Nigerian nationals who were "procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities" were just as guilty of 419 crimes as their foreign co-workers and just as deserving of being prosecuted for them. Fourthly, directly bearing on the "destabilzation" etc. charge, 419 Coalition maintains that 419ers in general do not give a damn about the Nigerian government or economy, but simply wish to line their own pockets, and that this 419 operation was no exception to that general rule. ************************************************** 4 FEB 2026 EFCC Arraigns Fake Investor for Defrauding Americans $525,276 in Uyo The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate on Thursday January 29, 2026, arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson before Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo for allegedly defrauding some Americans the sum of $525,276 (Five Hundred And Twenty Five Thousand, Two Hundred And Seventy Six United States Dollars). Thompson was arraigned on eight-count charges for allegedly obtaining the above sum from his victims under the guise of helping them to invest in mineral resources and deep sea port business. The defendant allegedly defrauded some Americans, Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen and a few others. One of the charges reads, “that you, Victor Ekpeyong Thompson, on or between April, 2024 to December, 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, did fraudulently obtain the sum of Two Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars ($213,350 USD) from Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad and others (Joint unsuspecting investors), under the pretence of investing the money in mining of mineral resources and deep sea port business, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act'. When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty to them. Following his plea of 'not guilty', prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin prayed the court for a trial date and remand of the defendant in the Correctional Centre pending the determination of the case. However, defence counsel, Savn Daniel made an oral bail application, to which the prosecution objected. After listening to both counsels, Justice Adaobi adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026, for the determination of bail and commencement of trial while the defendant was remanded at the EFCC’s detention facility in Uyo. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-fake-investor-for-defrauding-americans-525276-in-uyo *************************************************** 3 FEB 2026 - 1 JAN 2026 The Nigerian EFCC did not post any news on West African Advance Fee Fraud (419) crimes 1 JAN - 3 FEB 2026. There was lots of news on Public fraud sorts of things - embezzlement of government funds and malfeasance by government officials and that sort of thing; and of "standard" private sector types of fraud (land swindles, crytpo swindles and the like) but nothing really on Advance Fee Fraud (419) crimes. This was unusual, and is the longest stretch in years that we can remember offhand that has not included at least several postings dealing specifically with Advance Fee Fraud (419) crimes. The above have made 419 Coalition wonder if this lack of press releases concerning 419 mattersis merely a coincidence, or a change in policy or emphasis at the EFCC. Time will tell, wesuppose, as bottom lime is that there is still massive amounts of 419 crime emanating fromNigeria, whether the EFCC is continuing to prioritize counter-419 operations or not. This might be a good time to again note that 419 Coalition has long recommended that the EFCC focus on private sector finiancial crimes, with an emphasis on 419 crimes. We think that it might be a good idea for public sector crimes to be handled primarily by the Internal Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); and for private sector "standard" fraud crimes to be handled by the Nigerian Police Force. This would free up EFCC to prioritize counter-419 operations in the private sector. To us, it seems like the three services above are all handling all sorts of cases rather than just sticking in their "lane". This inevitably causes confusion as to who is responsible for what, creating duplication of effort problems, and other issues. We think that some "fine tuning" of the charters of the EFCC, ICPC, and Nigeria Police would be good for all the agencies, and inject a little more clarity into fighting private and public sector crimes in Nigeria. Be all the above as it may, it does appear, from their press releases 1 JAN - 3 FEB 2026 that the EFCC has been putting a lot of effort into what 419 Coalition would consider public sector crimes that probably ought to be more in the bailiwick of the ICPC than that of the EFCC. And 419 Coalition of course would prefer that EFCC would prioritize counter-419 operations as its primary mission going forward. Coordinator, 419 Coalition ***********************************************************************